Manchester United produced a late 3-2 comeback at Arsenal, with Matheus Cunha scoring the winner and then crediting caretaker manager Michael Carrick for uniting the squad. The victory cut into Arsenal’s title push and lifted United into the Premier League’s top four after a demanding week against Manchester City and the league leaders at the Emirates Stadium.
The match carried major weight in the title race and top-four contest, as Arsenal started the game leading the Premier League table. United’s success marked a rare away win against the side in first place and sustained momentum from victory over Manchester City, giving the club a stronger platform heading towards the season’s decisive phase.
Arsenal went ahead when Lisandro Martinez turned
the ball into United’s net, forcing the visitors to respond early. Bryan Mbeumo struck back to level, before Patrick Dorgu completed the turnaround. Mikel Merino then equalised for Arsenal, but Cunha hit the decisive goal less than three minutes later with a long-range strike that silenced the home crowd.
Dorgu and Cunha’s efforts from distance created a notable landmark. Through that pair, United became the first visiting Premier League team to score at least two goals from outside the area at Arsenal since Tottenham achieved the same feat in October 2008. The goals underlined United’s threat from range under Carrick’s interim guidance.
The comeback also carried historical weight for United’s rivalry with Arsenal. It was the first instance of United overturning a deficit to win a Premier League away game against Arsenal since February 2005, when United earned a 4-2 success. United also ended a long wait for an away victory against the division’s leaders.
United had not won away to a side sitting on top of the Premier League since March 2021, when they beat Manchester City 2-0 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Carrick has now overseen consecutive league victories, strengthening his case as caretaker manager and reinforcing confidence across a squad that had faced doubts before this demanding run of fixtures.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United |
| United goals | Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha |
| Arsenal goals | Lisandro Martinez (own goal), Mikel Merino |
| Key milestone | First United away comeback win at Arsenal since February 2005 |
| Manager | Caretaker Michael Carrick |
Manchester United spirit, Matheus Cunha praise and Michael Carrick guidance
"He knows the feeling, he played here so many years," Cunha told BBC Match of the Day about Carrick. "He knows the feeling for Manchester; he knows the feeling for United. He knows how the fans want to feel. He tried to show us every single moment, he tried to talk us to understand in moments and say, 'everyone is against us', so I think we feel more together. I think we showed character and power in the group. We know what to expect coming here. I think it's the best team in the world today, honestly. They play with Mikel [Arteta] so long, they know every single tactics, every single thing that he feels, so we know how hard it will to be to come here, but we are United and everything we do is to win the games. "
Cunha’s comments highlighted how Carrick’s experience as a former United midfielder has shaped the team’s mindset. By stressing outside doubts, Carrick has encouraged a siege mentality within the dressing room. Cunha felt that approach created greater unity on the pitch, which was reflected in the team’s response after each setback against Arsenal.
Manchester United leadership, Michael Carrick, Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha views
"It was absolutely massive. We know that the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you're always up for them, and you know that one-off results can happen, so we had to back it up," he told Sky Sports. "We spoke about it before the game, coming to the league leaders, who have been excellent this year, I must say. They ask a lot of questions of you. To come here and have the setback late on to get the winner, it was a magnificent performance. Michael's [Carrick] come in, he's been brilliant with us, he's brought a fresh energy in, the group's really galvanised. Two tough games, everybody's probably thinks we come away from them with not many points, but to win both is magnificent. "
Maguire underlined that following the derby win against Manchester City, United needed to prove consistency. The defender pointed to Arsenal’s quality this season and felt the visitors responded strongly after conceding late. Maguire also stressed the renewed energy within the squad since Carrick stepped in, as United claimed more points than many observers expected.
The result strengthened United’s position in the top-four race and increased belief in Carrick’s temporary project. Wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, both away and domestically vital, showed resilience that had been missing earlier in the campaign. For supporters across Europe, including in the Middle East, the performance suggested United remain competitive against leading Premier League opponents.
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