Michael Carrick has enjoyed a perfect start to life as interim manager at Manchester United after battering Manchester City and now stunning Premier League leaders Arsenal
19:39, 25 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick gestures
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Michael Carrick's interim manager start has been perfect(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick remained perfectly still on the Emirates touchline. Arms tucked behind his sharp black jacket, impeccably dressed as befits a Manchester United boss. Beneath the surface, his nerves must have been in overdrive.
He lifted his left hand in an attempt to urge his players forward, whilst his right remained stationary. He appeared to be the most composed figure in a ground that had descended into chaos. Moments before, Casemiro had seized the back of Matheus Cunha's shirt and hurled him to the ground in pure jubilation. This wasn't even in response to the striker's spectacular strike, but simply for earning a free-kick from an Arsenal set-piece.
The feelings were running wild, from a United squad rediscovering its rhythm to an Arsenal outfit that simply cannot seize command of this championship battle. Everywhere except the visiting technical zone, that is. United's coaching staff spilled out to protest for a late free-kick whilst defending yet another Arsenal delivery. The unruffled Carrick scarcely moved a muscle.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Matheus Cunha scored a dramatic late winner(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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As the final whistle sounded, Carrick tightened his left fist and discreetly struck the air beside him twice. There was a modest embrace with his backroom team and a handshake with Mikel Arteta.
For the 44-year-old Carrick, this is simply what Manchester United do. As tryouts go, this couldn't have begun more promisingly.
Carrick has steered United to victories against the Premier League's leading duo when just a month earlier they had appeared like a side stripped of belief and devoid of pleasure. This triumph over Arsenal was precisely the sort of thrilling away triumph that the finest United sides deliver.
They've enjoyed some memorable moments in the FA Cup at this venue in recent seasons, but they hadn't secured a league victory at the Emirates since December 2017. That was the occasion of David de Gea's 14 stops and Jesse Lingard's brace in a 3-1 success under Jose Mourinho.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Arsenal players look on as Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Cunha's strike from distance sparked wild celebrations(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim had all attempted and failed to claim a league triumph here. Carrick possessed at least some knowledge of victory. He was part of Solskjaer's coaching team for an FA Cup fourth-round success on a Friday evening in January seven years earlier.
Much had altered since that time. Arsenal have steadily developed to a stage where their 22-year championship drought might conclude within the coming five months.
United have rotated through a series of unsuccessful managers and find themselves back with another temporary appointment in Carrick. Temporary for the moment, anyway. The sense of déjà vu proves rather difficult to ignore at present. Carrick has provided precisely the sort of boost that Solskjaer delivered in December 2018, both in atmosphere and display.
He must be considered for the permanent role following these triumphs. Any continuation of this form might make it impossible to ignore him. This represented a completely different type of victory for them. They had kicked off the derby strongly last weekend and gained the self-assurance that comes from witnessing tactics succeed on the field.
Bryan Mbeumo scores equalizing goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United.
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Bryan Mbeumo equalises for Manchester United at Arsenal(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
At the Emirates, however, they found themselves under immediate pressure. They endured a barrage of early set-pieces with Senne Lammens pulling off a stunning save from Martin Zubimendi's close-range header.
Set-pieces appeared to offer Arsenal their best chance of breaking the deadlock, but just as United seemed to have survived the early onslaught, they fell behind.
Patrick Dorgu couldn't cope with Piero Hincapie's delivery, allowing Bukayo Saka to thread a pass through to Martin Odegaard, whose wayward effort deflected off Lisandro Martinez and into his own goal. United looked vulnerable at that moment, but their comeback both before and after the interval was remarkable.
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates scoring at Arsenal
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Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates scoring at Arsenal(Image: )
Bruno Fernandes nearly took advantage of William Saliba's defensive blunder before Bryan Mbeumo made Zubimendi pay for his mistake. The Spanish midfielder's attempted back-pass merely served to release United's false nine, who skipped round David Raya before slotting home.
Arsenal had been their own worst enemy, yet they were helpless to prevent the strike that put United ahead. Dorgu controlled a bouncing ball brilliantly before unleashing a 20-yard thunderbolt that screamed past Raya, cannoning off the crossbar's underside before nestling in the net's roof - a finish as spectacular as the goal deserved.
Dorgu's resurgence over the past five weeks has emerged as one of the standout narratives of United's campaign. He had endured a difficult opening period, not just conceding Arsenal's goal but also struggling against Saka, who enjoyed far greater success against him than he managed against the superb Luke Shaw. Yet Dorgu's destiny surely lies in more advanced positions if his recent attacking displays are any indication.
Michael Carrick embraces matchwinner Matheus Cunha
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Michael Carrick embraces matchwinner Matheus Cunha(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal ramped up the pressure in pursuit of a leveller and appeared to have salvaged a point when Mikel Merino scrambled a corner across the line, but United hit back almost instantly. Kobbie Mainoo threaded a clever ball to Matheus Cunha, who curled a magnificent effort from range into the corner of the goal.
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As most of the Emirates began to drain away, United's squad assembled before an ecstatic travelling contingent at the final whistle. Casemiro gifted his jersey to a supporter, whilst Carrick received multiple serenades from the faithful.
Even after Cunha and the outstanding Harry Maguire had completed their television duties, the away section remained packed. There was opportunity for one last burst of triumphant celebrations following a spectacular triumph.