There can be no better response to critics than Michael Carrick gave as Manchester United will gain an invaluable 1-0 win at Chelsea regaining its faith in its quest to win the Champions League and showing that being calm can still bring success in the face of adversity. Following the shock defeat at home to Leeds earlier in the week, there were increasing calls of questioning the interim manager his tactics and his ability to learn to lead the United team through a rocky end of the season. Our answer is now known.
United got at Stamford Bridge with scrubs, injuries, suspensions and external racket. The three points, the clean sheet, the manager whose calm management so abruptly appears to be strength, not indecisiveness of style gave them their exit. This outcome can be decisive in a season where the momentum can change rapidly.
To start with, we need to acknowledge the magnitude of the problem that Michael Carrick is about to deal with prior to the start of the game. United had already lost some of its central defenders in Matthijs de Ligt was injured and both Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were suspended. There occurred another blow as Leny Yoro was injured towards the end of the week.
That compelled Carrick into a desperate defensive alliance of Noussair Mazraoui and teenage potential Ayden Heaven. With a dangerous attack by the Chelsea attacking, several problems were to be expected. United was organized, disciplined and committed instead during the match.
Carrick never caused panic to take control of the situation. His message to the world after the Leeds defeat was plain and straightforward; it was no big deal that teams lose games but it is only the reaction that counts. We had that reaction in London.
Nevertheless, a fearless Ayden Heaven performance was one of the greatest benefits of the night. And the young defender had hardly played under Michael Carrick, but he went into one of the most difficult away matches in English football, and seemed all stage-ready.
Heaven had his way playing like a grown person. He withstood pressure, remained calm in control, and he never seemed to be overwhelmed by the event and the situation. The youngster was later lauded by Carrick, with an emphasis on preparation and professionalism.
That faith in the young has been an intrinsic component of Manchester United. Another example of this we had witnessed here, and it might open the door of Heaven in the weeks to come.
As the defense stood up, however United was still in need of quality in attack. It was again delivered by Bruno Fernandes. The captain created the winning cut-back to Matheus Cunha whose shot to the first time goal won the match.
With 18 assists in the season, Fernandes is closing down on the all-time record. The impact of his influence is gigantic, but the greater fact is that Michael Carrick still puts his star players in the places, where they can win matches.
It would not be accurate to claim the goal, Carrick would joke afterwards even though he had spoken to Fernandes a few minutes prior to it. But tactics are never the only way that managers are appreciated but also by ensuring trust and clarity are built. Fernandes evidently has faith in the status quo.
United did not have much glamour in its display. The team of Chelsea fired into the timber three times and exerted constant pressure. But football can pay faith with perseverance rather than flair, and this was one of those nights.
United fought an obstinate retreat, remained patient and when the chance arose pounced. Super groups know how to win in various ways. Carpick could still be growing on his side, yet the side demonstrated some good maturity.
The historical context is also important to us. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the only post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager of United successfully to win in Stamford Bridge. That underlines the significance of this result.
At last the table is providing real impetus to United. Having a maximum of eight points to go, a back to the Champions League is solidly within the grasp. Competitors still have tough matches and the tide can turn soon during this part of the season.
To Michael Carrick, this may be a turning point of this week. He joined it as he was under pressure following the Leeds loss. He leaves it on a credible note, now more more drawn dressed chambers belief and a fanbase ready to place their faith in the process.
United have a way to go but the news of Stamford Bridge made itself felt: Carrick has not lost it, his players are reacting and it is not the end of the race.
We will now sit back and observe what the last few weeks will bring as now that this performance becomes a norm, we can still see Manchester United end the season at the very spot that they desire.
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