Carrick’s interim approach yields back-to-back wins for Manchester United

Michael Carrick has secured two wins in his first two matches as Manchester United’s interim manager, the second a last‑gasp victory at Arsenal that followed a home win against Manchester City, a sequence supporters were urged to savour. The Emirates triumph was sealed by Matheus Cunha’s 87th‑minute winner, prompting bedlam in the away end and celebrations for Carrick and Casemiro.

United’s assurance on the ball — quick, direct passing to escape pressure and progress upfield — helped them recover from an opening half‑hour under the cosh. The game featured an interchange between Patrick Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes before a long‑range finish for 2‑1, and Kobbie Mainoo taking one touch from Fernandes to move play on for Cunha’s emphatic strike.

Carrick has adjusted the system, using fewer men at the back and deploying Dorgu on the wing rather than at left‑back; Dorgu had started ahead of Cunha against City, scored and kept his place at Arsenal. Mainoo’s return to form was highlighted for his nervelessness on the ball. By contrast, Ruben Amorim largely persisted with a three‑centre‑half 3‑4‑2‑1 and, despite signs of progress, was inconsistent — he won back‑to‑back league matches only in a short October run.

Amorim did not struggle against Liverpool, City and Arsenal (W3 D3 L3 across competitions) but produced poorer returns against clubs such as Tottenham, West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace (W3 D4 L7).

Key Topics

Sports, Manchester United, Michael Carrick, Ruben Amorim, Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo