Manchester United forward Mateus Cunha believes interim coach Michael Carrick deserves to stay at the club for the next season. Carrick has done incredible work as an interim head coach and many United players have backed him to keep his job.

The former United midfielder took over the coaching reins from Ruben Amorim in January and since then, he has played an instrumental role in changing the club’s fortunes.

United were able to seal their Champions League spot for the next season after a 3-2 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. Cunha was the one who opened the scoring in the sixth minute.

Asked if he would like Carrick to stay as head coach next season, Sunday’s opening goal scorer said: “Yeah, yeah, honestly, I think we need to say [it].

“I don’t think it’s in my hands. But what he did, he’s full of confidence in the group and, look, I sat on the bench with him but how he teaches everyone is amazing.

“I think he has like the magic with these Ferguson times, these kinds of things. Then he came and brought it to us, taught us how it was.

“And, yeah, to be part of everything that he did is a pleasure, and then of course I think he deserves it.”

The Brazilian attacking midfielder expressed his delight after United were able to qualify for Europe’s biggest club competition.

Cunha said: “It’s one of the biggest privilege I have to play at this club and we know the goal for the season is to be there.

“I think Champions League without this club is not the same competition, and this club without Champions League is not the same club.

“To be part of this, to be one of the guys. When we come in, I think there were a lot of doubts about how the club will come back. I’m so happy to be part of this.”

United will next take on Sunderland on Saturday.