Manchester United’s resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick continued on Sunday with a breath-taking 3-2 victory over league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates. While the result lifted United into the top four and restored a long-lost "swagger" to the squad, club legend Roy Keane remains unconvinced.
The match itself was a thrilling experience that saw United recover from an early setback. Arsenal took the lead in the 29th minute through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, but Carrick’s side responded with discipline and clinical efficiency.
37': Bryan Mbeumo intercepted a wayward pass from Martin Zubimendi to equalize.
Early 2nd Half: Patrick Dorgu fired United ahead after a brilliant combination with Bruno Fernandes.
85': Mikel Merino seemed to have snatched a point for the Gunners.
87': Matheus Cunha silenced the Emirates with a curling long-range strike into the bottom corner to seal the 3-2 win.
The defeat cuts Arsenal’s lead at the top to just four points, with Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks.
Despite United beating the top two teams in the league (City and Arsenal) in consecutive weeks, Roy Keane dismissed suggestions that Carrick is the long-term solution.
Two great performances but anyone can win two games. If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job. I still would not be convinced he’s the man... They need a bigger and better manager
Roy Keane
Keane’s scepticism was shared by Gary Neville, who suggested that while Carrick should lead the team until May, the "baton" should eventually be handed to a "world-class" manager like Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti.
Since taking over from Ruben Amorim on January 13, 2026, Michael Carrick has transformed United’s tactical setup, moving away from a rigid three-man defence to a more balanced 4-2-3-1.
Michael Carrick's 2026 interim record:
Matches played: 2
Wins: 2 (vs. Man City, vs. Arsenal)
Goals scored: 5
Goals conceded: 2
Points per match: 3.00
