Carlos Brathwaite: West Indies star talks World T20 and Man United

'You have to give back, not treat fame as a burden'

By David Ruse

Image: Carlos Brathwaite starred for West Indies in the World T20 final

Carlos Brathwaite popped into Sky Studios recently for a stint as an IPL pundit - and we managed to grab the big Barbadian for a quick chat about THAT World T20 over and his love of football.

Brathwaite blasted four sixes in succession off Ben Stokes to earn West Indies a dramatic World T20 win over England in early April - and he spoke about that innings in the Sky Sports Zone.

Brathwaite talks through hitting the four sixes in a row for West Indies in the World T20 final against England

But the 27-year-old also humbly praised the efforts of his team-mates as the Caribbean side won the tournament for the second time, having also lifted the trophy in Sri Lanka in 2012.

Brathwaite also opened up about what he took from his IPL experience with Delhi Daredevils and teaming with England and Kent star Sam Billings.

Plus, he had plenty to say on Jose Mourinho taking over at his beloved Manchester United, which players he would like to see at Old Trafford next season, and his Euro 2016 tips...

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Image: Jose Mourinho visits the Manchester United's training complex

Hi Carlos - what are your memories of your match-winning performance in Kolkata?

I was just focussed on getting us over the line. It was a tremendous team achievement - yes, my four sixes stole the show but we shouldn't forget about Marlon Samuels' knock of 85 and a couple of bowling spells from Dwayne Bravo. Throughout the tournament, though, someone stood up when we needed them to. That was more important than having superstars.

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Can you think of a better sporting finish?

A lot of people are ranking it among the best but it's hard to judge something I was part of, even though it was obviously memorable. As a Manchester United fan, though, there's another great sporting finish I'd love to forget - Sergio Aguero's last-minute winner against QPR in 2012, the goal that won Manchester City the league from under our noses!

Image: Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels celebrate West Indies' World T20 win

What did you learn from playing in the IPL?

I have definitely grown as a player - learning how to play spin is something I can now take back to the Caribbean and hopefully build a Test career out of. However, I have also grown as a person and learned how to handle the media and people who constantly want photos during your personal time.

How did your team-mates help you in that regard?

I saw how humble JP Duminy and Imran Tahir, as well as Delhi mentor Rahul Dravid, have remained despite all they have achieved in the game - it made me take a step back and appreciate that people are interested in me. You have to give back to them and not treat fame as a burden.

It made me take a step back and appreciate that people are interested in me. You have to give back to them and not treat fame as a burden.
Carlos Brathwaite on the IPL

What are the best and worst things about Billings?

Best - his impression of Danny Morrison. Worst - the fact he beats me at Fifa!

Are you happy with the appointment of Mourinho at Manchester United?

I think Jose will bring back the winning mentality - and lure Zlatan Ibrahimovic. We need our swagger back at Old Trafford and Ibra could be the man to bring it. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho operates off the field and whether our young players get opportunities. That was something - perhaps the only thing - Van Gaal did well.

Image: Carlos says Zlatan Ibrahimovic can bring United's 'swagger' back

Do you have any reservations?

Not really. One thing Jose does do is take the pressure off his players and once he strikes a balance between that and being a little more cordial then he should do okay. If his antics are a by-product of success, though, so be it.

Who would you class as your favourite Manchester United player off all time, as well as in the current squad?

My favourite of all time is Cristiano Ronaldo but of the current squad I'd have to say David de Gea. I also love the way Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial play the United way - every time they get the ball they run, cross, shoot and try to make things happen.

Image: David de Gea is Brathwaite's favourite current United player

Anyone else?

Ander Herrera is a complete midfielder and hasn't really had the chances I think he deserves. When he plays we go forward, without him we tend to be a bit sideways. I'd love him, Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin in midfield next season with Ibra the focal point and Martial and Antoine Griezmann on the wings.

Finally, how do you think England will get on in the Euros?

The England football team need to take a leaf out of the England cricket team's book - go out there, express yourself and have fun. If they drop the pressure, then their young players will be fine. I'll be supporting Portugal, because of Ronaldo and because I always admired Rui Costa back in the day, but I think France are the most well-balanced team. They have a great chance of winning.

Brathwaite is currently playing for West Indies in a one-day Tri-Series in the Caribbean against Australia and South Africa. Watch each game live on Sky Sports.

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