Michael Carrick's post-match interview following Manchester United's stunning 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates was stopped after Sir Jim Ratcliffe requested to see the interim manager
10:00, 26 Jan 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Michael Carrick, caretaker head coach 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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Michael Carrick's perfect start to life as Manchester United manager continued at Arsenal(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Michael Carrick was called away to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe mid-interview following Manchester United's thrilling victory over Arsenal. Matheus Cunha netted a spectacular late winner as United pulled off an incredible 3-2 fightback at the Emirates to damage Arsenal's Premier League title hopes.
The Gunners opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Lisandro Martinez diverted the ball into his own goal, but Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a dreadful backpass from Martin Zubimendi to level matters before the break. Patrick Dorgu then put the Red Devils in front before Mikel Merino appeared to have salvaged a crucial point for Mikel Arteta's men.
Yet Cunha's spectacular strike three minutes from time clinched all three points for his team. The victory leaves United in fourth place and perfectly positioned in the race for Champions League qualification next season.
Ratcliffe - Carrick
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Carrick was summoned to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe mid-interview(Image: )
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Carrick has now triumphed in both of his opening two fixtures as manager, and former Premier League striker turned pundit Jan Age Fjortoft has disclosed that he was called away to meet Ratcliffe just as he was about to interview the former England midfielder.
Posting on X, he revealed: "Was standing at my position waiting for our Michal Carrick - interview today. Just as I was ready to ask the first question, a representative from Manchester United stopped my preparations and said: - Michael, Sir Jim wants to see!
"So out he went, having a chat with him in the tunnel, and we got Carrick outside at our table Pitchside, where we could ask him about his "meeting".
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)
During a subsequent Viaplay interview, Carrick was pressed for details about his tunnel conversation with Ratcliffe. "No, not much as you would expect, I think," he responded. "There's a lot of happy bodies around the camp today and he's delighted as well. So it was nice to see him."
Peter Schmeichel then cheekily questioned the United manager about whether he'd requested a meeting in Ratcliffe's office, prompting a chuckling Carrick to respond: "No, not yet, Peter. I think it is nice when you can have that feeling with a big win like this, you know, coming away from home.
"Last week was good for different reasons. This one is pretty special. Two good games – it's about what's next now and moving forward."
Reflecting on the victory in London, Carrick explained: "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.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, Omar Berrada, chief-executive officer of Manchester United, and Jason Wilcox, director of football at Manchester United, watch on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be pleased with Carrick's tenure so far(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
"I think we understood how the game was going to go and the flow of it. I thought we started to take the ball and connections through the pitch, had that composure and a few moments gaining a bit of confidence as well."
Before he went on: "We were having a decent spell and seemed to be coming into the game when they scored, which was disappointing. Again, 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."
Speculation has emerged over whether Carrick ought to be considered for the permanent role following his impressive beginning, but Roy Keane, who has previously fallen out with the United manager's wife, remains firmly opposed to the notion.
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When pressed for his view, Keane told Sky Sports: "The job? No, you're being silly now," Keane replied to Richards' inquiry. "You serious? He's had two great performances, but anybody can win two games. It's what he does at the end of the season.
"Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not, I still think they need a bigger and better manager, but he's got the opportunity, what a chance for him and, you know what, he's taken it, so, fair play to him."