Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has heaped praise on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the new season, picking up only six points from as many matches in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, United have won their only match in Europe against Sabah and will be eyeing a second victory against Atletico on the road.
Ahead of the game, Carrick was posed with plenty of questions and one of those was centred on the need for long-term backing for managers.
Diego Simeone has been Atletico’s manager since 2011, and Carrick acknowledged that it takes time to build a foundation to secure silverware.
The 45-year-old went on to praise Arteta and said he has done an ‘incredible’ job winning the league title after a difficult start to his managerial career with the Gunners.
Carrick told reporters: “Yeah, they’re not normal, but it pains me to say it, but the one that won the league in our country last season has been there for a long period of time.
“It’s seven years, and the first two seasons were, correct me if I’m wrong, maybe seventh or eighth. I think he’s done an incredible job, Mikel [Arteta] and that’s another example.
“You know, we’re talking about Sir Alex and Diego Simeone, who have gone on for a lot longer than that and have built something incredibly special at both football clubs.
“It doesn’t always take time. It depends on the situation of how things go. But more or less, to get to where you want to be and be sustainable and consistent, then it’s going to take a bit of time to build that foundation and, that’s the way it is.”
Carrick did splendidly well in his second stint as interim United manager earlier this year. The Red Devils went on a superb league run and picked up more points than Arsenal and Manchester City.
This ensured a third-place finish for the Red Devils and a return to Champions League football. Carrick was rewarded with the permanent job as a result, but things have not gone as planned this term.
United have struggled to hold onto leads in the league. The Mancunian giants find themselves in the bottom half of the table with six points, already playing catch-up to the Champions League places.
The Red Devils have a tough away schedule with Atletico, Leeds United and Como to face. Carrick does not appear under pressure, but there could be scrutiny if the club don’t return to winning ways.
Arsenal will also be in Champions League action against Lille at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com