Man Utd star's 'antagonistic' celebration goes unpunished as Michael Carrick responds

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha celebrated in the face of Everton's James Garner during injury time of the 1-0 win with Michael Carrick taking the player off

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha escaped a yellow card for celebrating in the face of Everton player Matheus Cunha, sparking furious scenes. The Brazilian midfielder appeared to usher the ball out of play during second-half stoppage time as Michael Carrick's team sought to preserve their 1-0 advantage.

Cunha thrust his fists towards the former United midfielder's face before collapsing to the ground, where he prolonged his celebration after securing a goal kick. The Toffees were pressing for a late leveller and defender James Tarkowski required restraining by Luke Shaw as tensions threatened to escalate.

The United playmaker dodged a yellow card from referee Darren England, with Michael Carrick swiftly responding by withdrawing the midfielder and introducing Ayden Heaven as his replacement. It remains unclear whether the substitution was arranged beforehand or prompted by Cunha's conduct near the touchline.

Former United defender Gary Neville believed the Brazilian's actions were 'antagonistic' towards Garner. Speaking on commentary, he said: "They've both given each other quite a bit in the game. Garner's done well.

READ MORE : Chido Obi shows Man Utd what they're missing as 18-year-old responds to plan perfectlyREAD MORE : Gary Neville delivers Michael Carrick future statement after 'speaking to Man Utd'

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE!Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

"Cunha's done well. They've stuck at it. Cunha's celebration in Garner's face is antagonistic."

Nonetheless, Cunha avoided a caution, which would have represented just his second yellow card in the Premier League this season. United managed to cling on and secure vital three points in the battle for Champions League qualification, climbing to fourth in the standings.

Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to net the only goal of the match in the 71st minute, with all three of United's summer recruits - Sesko, Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - combining to produce the strike. It wasn't United's most impressive display under Carrick since he assumed interim control of the club, but the victory puts them three points ahead of Chelsea in fifth following their weekend stalemate with Burnley.

United are currently on a ten-game unbeaten run stretching back to Amorim's final few fixtures at the helm, having appeared to turn a corner with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in Carrick's opening matches in charge. They've been unable to replicate those impressive showings but continue to accumulate vital points along the way, returning to winning form following the draw with West Ham United earlier this month.

MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Reflecting on the victory over Everton, Carrick praised Cunha's display and commented: "That was kind of where we were tonight. I think we had to put a lot into the game and everyone did, and I think credit to Everton who made us dig deep, and it wasn't the prettiest or the most perfect game football-wise for us.

"But Matheus, the defensive work, you put in the effort, the work rate in the end, he's got the moment that we know we've got in the group to create something. He made the difference for us, but it comes from him defending really well in a deep position to then create that transition.

"He's a great character, I've got to know him. Another big moment for Matheus, he's had a number of them since the very start, starting at City when he came off the bench and he's a big impact again today for us and he is in a good place as well."

Click here to read article