Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has delivered glowing praise for Michael Carrick, highlighting the interim Manchester United boss's tactical acumen following a stunning 3-2 victory over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.
Carrick's Immediate Impact at Manchester United
Just twelve days after assuming the head coach role until the season's end, replacing Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick has orchestrated consecutive victories against two of the Premier League's most formidable tactical minds. Following a win against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Carrick outmanoeuvred Mikel Arteta's league-leading Arsenal side, securing back-to-back triumphs for the Red Devils.
Wenger, who experienced numerous high-stakes clashes with Manchester United during his illustrious tenure, was particularly impressed by Carrick and his coaching staff's preparations. Speaking on beIN Sports, the legendary French manager identified a significant shift in United's performances.
Wenger's Detailed Analysis of the Emirates Clash
'I think there is something going on in this Man United team between the way they beat Man City and the way they beat Arsenal today,' Wenger observed. 'The way they played was very convincing and as well, when Arsenal came back to 2-2 usually it's the home team who wins the game. [United] found again the resources to score the third goal and to win 3-2 away from home in a top game, I have to congratulate Carrick. He has created something.'
Despite Arsenal maintaining their position at the Premier League summit with a four-point lead after twenty-three matches, Wenger noted vulnerabilities that Carrick's United successfully exploited. 'When you concede three goals at home it's difficult to win,' Wenger added, analysing the match's decisive moments.
'The goals scored on both sides illustrated a little bit the way the two teams played. The games of Man United they are well built up, good cohesion, and the games of Arsenal were more decided by power and fighting on the corner, for example with the second goal. The first goal, as well, was not clean play. They gave everything Arsenal but lacked a bit, as I said in the first half, the patience and technical cohesion.'
The 'Formula' for Manchester United's Success
Wenger elaborated on what he perceives as Carrick's successful blueprint, stating: 'I believe that Carrick has found a good formula that is a good balance between defensive stability and a good technical level. It's the first time I felt the [Arsenal] centre backs were a bit more nervous and less dominant than usually in the games.'
This assessment was echoed by another Arsenal icon, Patrick Vieira, who provided punditry for Sky Sports. The former Gunners captain identified a concerning lack of composure within Mikel Arteta's squad during the crucial fixture.
'They need to go back to the basics, to express themselves, play with freedom, and go forward,' Vieira remarked about his former club. 'There were too many players that didn't perform today. It was a must-win game. They needed to send a message to the rest of the teams in the league.'
The combined insights from Wenger and Vieira underscore a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, where Manchester United's interim management has disrupted Arsenal's momentum through calculated, cohesive football. Carrick's short tenure has evidently instilled a renewed sense of structure and resilience, earning commendation from one of the game's most respected analytical minds.
