Interim boss Michael Carrick inspires Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal, praising his players’ belief and tactical response
MICHAEL Carrick has urged Manchester United to build on their remarkable start under his interim leadership.
Matheus Cunha’s late rocket sealed a stunning 3-2 win at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, following a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Carrick’s first game.
The former United midfielder was hired until the season’s end after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal earlier this month.
Carrick has galvanised United into playing a far more vibrant style than under Amorim, moving the team up to fourth place.
“The boys have been fantastic in terms of taking things on, wanting to do it and investing into it,” Carrick said.
He praised the players for responding to his tactical demands and showing belief on the pitch.
Carrick has ditched Amorim’s preferred three-man defence, allowing United to play with more balance.
His decision to deploy Patrick Dorgu in a more advanced role also paid off with another goal.
Dorgu’s second-half strike at the Emirates Stadium whistled into the top corner to put United 2-1 up.
Lisandro Martinez’s own goal had given Arsenal a first-half lead before Bryan Mbeumo equalised for United.
Mikel Merino looked to have rescued a point for Arsenal with a late leveller, but Cunha lashed home from 20 yards in the 87th minute.
“I just think we understood the flow of the game,” Carrick said of the performance.
“The goals were fantastic, some of the football was good and we looked dangerous at certain times.”
Cunha highlighted the difference between Amorim’s reign and Carrick’s upbeat presence at the club.
“He knows the feeling, he played here so many years,” Cunha said of his new manager.
“He knows how the fans want to feel. He tried to talk to us to understand in moments and say ‘everyone is against us’, so I think we feel more together.”
Carrick, who spent 12 successful years as a United player, admitted he is relishing his unexpected opportunity.
“I’ve been here less than two weeks and I’m desperate to do well and improve the team,” he said.
“Having days like this and last week is something you get greedy for and we want to keep building on this.”
