Manchester United will be playing Champions League football again next season

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha feels interim boss Michael Carrick has the "magic" that can reconnect the club to its trophy-laden Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Cunha scored the opening goal at Old Trafford that set United on their way to the 3-2 win over Liverpool that ensured Champions League qualification with three games to spare.

It is an achievement few felt United were capable of, even though football director Jason Wilcox said a return to Europe's elite club competition was the aim in the wake of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January.

Carrick has engineered 10 victories in his 14 games in charge, putting him in pole position to be appointed on a full-time basis.