Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win away to Arsenal delivers a major boost to the club’s season, with Michael Carrick describing it as a big moment while stressing that Carrick will simply "continue to do
what I can" during the caretaker spell in charge.
The victory at Emirates Stadium lifts United into fourth place, above Chelsea and Liverpool, putting the team back inside the Champions League positions. It also completes back-to-back league wins against the current top two, after Manchester City lost at Old Trafford the previous weekend under Carrick’s guidance.
Carrick pointed to the contribution of the entire group rather than personal credit for the upturn in results since taking temporary control. "I give a lot of credit to the staff and players in terms of how much they've invested and how much they've bought into it," Carrick told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
He underlined how the squad had taken responsibility for recent performances. "It's alright trying to help them and say certain things, but they've got to live it, and they have done. You can see that with boys coming off the bench, and it's a collective feeling. It's great when it comes together, and everyone's in it, and we can celebrate with the fans at the end. It's important and a big moment. "
The game swung several times. Lisandro Martinez struck first for United, before Arsenal responded, only for Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu to overturn the deficit and put United ahead. Arsenal substitute Mikel Merino then made it 2-2, but Matheus Cunha hit an 87th-minute winner that stunned the Premier League leaders.
Carrick spoke about the emotional impact of the occasion, especially with family present. "My kids were in there, they're not kids anymore, that in itself is emotional, it's the passion, the excitement of these types of games, and to come out on top is fantastic. " United also earned a first away win over the league leaders since March 2021, when Manchester City lost 2-0 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United and Arsenal key statistics from Emirates clash
This comeback carried extra historical weight for United. It was the club’s first Premier League away comeback win at Arsenal since February 2005, when United won 4-2. Between those fixtures, United had fallen behind 12 times away to Arsenal in the league, suffering 11 defeats and drawing once.
Carrick explained that United had expected early pressure from Arsenal and tried to manage the rhythm. "We understood the start of the game was going to be like that, as much as we tried to turn the momentum in our favour. I think we understood how the game was going to go and the flow of it," Carrick said.
Carrick highlighted United’s resilience without the ball. "We showed the character to come back, and there were stages in the game where you have to defend. They make you defend the box really, and it's challenging at times, but I thought we had enough in the game to keep believing in the confidence, and I always fancied us to score. "
The caretaker boss also discussed game management away from home. "There's that element, playing away from home and understanding the phases of the game, really, how it's going to develop and being patient, be disciplined at the right time. It's only been 10 days; we know it's not going to be perfect. You can't expect to come here and dominate the ball. We're just starting off, and it's a good starting point, but we need to start putting some layers on top, and we'll try to do that in the coming weeks. "
Michael Carrick and Manchester United future beyond Arsenal result
United have confirmed that a permanent head coach will be appointed at the end of the season, with Carrick contracted only until then. When asked whether Carrick wanted the position beyond this campaign, the caretaker kept the focus on the current work and avoided long-term discussion about the role.
Carrick answered questions about the future with a brief reflection on the present situation. "I'm enjoying it. It's a fantastic position to be in. What happens next? I'm not going to be answering it every week. I'm enjoying it, and I'll continue to do what I can. "
The result at Arsenal strengthens United’s league position and supports the belief around Carrick’s early days in charge. The team have beaten both Arsenal and Manchester City within 10 days, shown composure under pressure away from home, and created a platform that Carrick hopes to build on in the coming weeks.
