Michael Carrick responds to fan chant after perfect start as interim manager
Manchester United claimed a memorable 3-2 triumph over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening, extending Michael Carrick’s perfect record as head coach to two matches.
Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha all found the net as the Red Devils secured their first top-flight victory on Arsenal’s home turf since December 2017.
The result follows last week’s 2-0 defeat of Manchester City in Carrick’s inaugural match since replacing the dismissed Ruben Amorim on an interim basis until the campaign’s conclusion.
United supporters celebrated the remarkable turnaround by chanting “We’re gonna win the league” inside the Emirates.
Michael Carrick has won two games out of two since taking interim charge | REUTERS
The victory propels United into the Champions League qualification places, though they remain 12 points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s side at the summit.
With elimination from both domestic cup competitions already confirmed, Carrick’s squad face just 15 Premier League fixtures between now and May.
Fulham travel to Old Trafford next Sunday in what represents the next challenge for the resurgent Red Devils.
Despite the euphoric scenes in north London, the interim manager insisted his players must maintain their concentration throughout the remaining matches rather than allowing themselves to become distracted by the dramatic improvement in fortunes.
Matheus Cunha scored the winner for United against Arsenal in the 87th minute | REUTERS
“I’m not getting carried away,” Carrick told reporters following the final whistle.
“We’ve got some big games, bigger games, coming up, because every next game is the bigger game.”
The former United midfielder stressed the importance of remaining grounded despite consecutive victories over two of English football’s most formidable opponents.
“There’s a lot of emotion, a lot of energy and a lot of confidence that you can take from that, but be humble and understand how we’ve got these results. That’s really important moving forward,” he added.
Carrick declined to address speculation regarding whether he might be considered for the permanent managerial position at the season’s end.
Michael Carrick is already a popular figure at Old Trafford
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REUTERS
Carrick reserved particular praise for Dorgu, who departed the pitch in the closing stages with what appeared to be a fitness concern.
“Pat’s been a big player for us over last couple of games, in so many ways attacking wise, but defensively he has been immense as well against two teams that ask a lot of questions,” the interim boss explained.
The Danish international’s withdrawal caused momentary alarm among travelling supporters, though Carrick moved to ease concerns about the winger’s condition.
“This one we had to dig deep and I’m REALLY proud of them.”
Michael Carrick expresses how proud he is of his Manchester United players ❤️ pic.twitter.com/C59ex1OF80
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2026
“He came off with a bit of cramp, so hopefully it’s not much more than that,” he said.
