Manchester United have a golden opportunity to climb into the Premier League’s top four, but to do so, they will have to beat leaders Arsenal.
Michael Carrick made a flying start to his spell as interim head coach, with Manchester United beating Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
It doesn’t get any easier for Carrick, with a trip to North London to face Arsenal up next.
📺TalkingPoints TV: What is the greatest Man Utd vs Arsenal game EVER?
Perhaps one game stands out to you for personal reasons? Let us know your favourite memories against the Gunners!
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Carrick has beaten world-class managers in his first four games in charge of United, and now he is looking to pick up another win against Mikel Arteta.
Back in 2021, Carrick’s final game as caretaker boss saw United beat Arteta’s Arsenal 3-2.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick can improve on Solskjaer record vs Arsenal
Ahead of the Arsenal match, Carrick revealed that he has been in contact with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after beating City.
More United News
Carrick served in Solskjaer’s staff during his management stint at United, but Ineos preferred the former midfielder for this interim stint.
While Solskjaer had a brilliant record against City as United manager, his record against Arsenal was the complete opposite.
Is Manchester United’s XI stronger in 2026 or 2021?
This was the line-up Michael Carrick used to defeat Arsenal in his spell as interim manager
United/Arsenal 2021 graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
In fact, Solskjaer failed to beat Arsenal in a Premier League match during his time as United boss.
Carrick already has one win against the Gunners, and now he can build on that and prove he is not just ‘another Ole’ being temporarily hired by United.
Beating Arsenal would raise serious Michael Carrick questions
Carrick is already receiving huge support from the United fanbase, and that will drastically increase if he leads the Red Devils to another win over top six opposition.
Ineos are eager to point out that Carrick’s appointment is only temporary and that a permanent head coach will arrive in the summer.
READ MORE: Elliot Anderson’s unique connection to Michael Carrick could work in Man Utd’s favour… if Ineos get their act together
Gary Neville insists Carrick shouldn’t be hired permanently. But beating City and Arsenal back-to-back lays an incredible foundation to push for Champions League football.
Finishing in the top four will surely put Carrick as a frontrunner for the permanent job in the summer, especially with the lack of options elsewhere.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox