Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal has intensified debate around Michael Carrick’s future, with Gary Neville praising a sharp revival while Roy Keane remains unconvinced. An 87th-minute winner from Matheus Cunha completed United’s first league comeback at Emirates Stadium since 2005 and extended Carrick’s second spell as caretaker manager to two wins from two matches.
The match at Emirates Stadium swung several times. United trailed when Lisandro Martinez diverted into the net, before Bryan Mbeumo equalised with a composed finish and Patrick Dorgu powered in a superb strike. Mikel Merino forced a late leveller, but Cunha’s long-range effort decided the game and underlined the counter-attacking threat
that has reappeared under Carrick.
Neville highlighted how quickly performances have improved across just over a week. On The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said: "I'm absolutely blown away by what I've seen in eight days, because you can't believe how low and how bad it was a few weeks ago in terms of some of the performances that we've seen. " Neville pointed to both structure and attitude on the pitch.
According to Neville, several core elements now look different. He singled out greater intensity without the ball, a more compact shape, and stronger defensive aggression. Neville also praised the way players now drop behind the ball together, describing a team that is again difficult to break down and capable of digging in when momentum swings against them during key spells.
Neville believes Carrick has simplified United’s tactical approach. Neville said: "[Carrick has] definitely instilled a simplicity to it in the last two weeks, in the last two games, that I like about it. It's my favourite system. We've talked about it a lot, the idea of a talented player playing off a striker, two wide players narrowing in midfield, a back four that's really aggressive. "
United’s recent success against Arsenal also carries a statistical twist. The 3-2 win followed a previous 4-2 comeback triumph in February 2005, the last time United had overturned a deficit away to Arsenal in the league. Carrick has now overseen both matches in this short run, during his second temporary spell guiding the side.
2/2 - Michael Carrick is the only manager to face Mikel Arteta more than once in his managerial career and have a 100% win record against him. Command. pic.twitter.com/dDa5FGqfj2OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 26, 2026
Neville argued that Carrick and the squad deserve recognition for this sharp upturn. Neville said the players "have responded to whatever's being said to them, and we don't know what's being said to them in that training ground, but they are responding like they weren't before. " Neville suggested Ruben Amorim may be surprised by the transformation after recent poor displays.
Manchester United and Michael Carrick momentum questioned
For Neville, the broader feeling around the club has shifted. Neville described the last week as bringing back "magic", pointing to attacking speed, risk-taking and counter-attacking quality. Neville added that it is not yet the time "to get carried away" but views this as "a remarkable turnaround" from the low point before the defeat against Manchester City earlier in the month.
Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, took a very different view of Carrick’s prospects. Keane said: "Two great performances but anyone can win two games. If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn't be giving him the job. I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not. "
Keane argued that Manchester United’s long-term demands go beyond a brief bounce. Keane said: "They need a bigger and better manager. The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years, you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles. Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles?"
Keane then underlined the gap he sees between short-term form and lasting success. Keane said: "It's not enough for me. I don't believe he is the man to get them winning league titles. " The contrasting views from Neville and Keane capture the current debate, as Carrick’s United chase more positive results while questions about long-term leadership remain unresolved.
