Carrick's Curtain-Calls: United Upsets Arsenal at the Emirates and Weeks-Long Questions Stay Unanswered
25 January 2026
Match Recap
Manchester United's interim coach Michael Carrick praised his players' commitment and fighting spirit after a 3-2 victory at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal opened the scoring in the 29th minute through an own goal by a United defender, with United replying in the 37th and 50th minutes to take a lead through two United attackers.
Arsenal drew level with a late strike from Mikiel Merino in the 84th minute, but United secured the win in the 87th minute with a late winner to seal the result.
Standings and reflections
Despite the defeat, Arsenal remained top on 50 points, four clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, while United moved to 38 points in fourth.
Carrick told Sky Sports after the match that they understood the flow of the game and stayed calm, adding that they began to dominate possession and build confidence as the match progressed.
He noted there were defensive moments, but believed the team showed belief they could score again, especially after Arsenal's equaliser, and that patience and discipline were key at the right times.
He also commented on the necessity of creating momentum away from home and highlighted the support from the fans in the corner of the stadium as a crucial boost.
He added: “Today, away from home, we needed to create our own energy. The crowd’s support was there, and we responded.”
On taking responsibility next season as caretaker: “I’m enjoying the current situation. It’s a great situation, and I won’t answer the weekly question; I’ll keep giving my best.”
Punchline 1: My tactics are so sharp, even the corner flag flinches when I walk past.
Punchline 2: I coach with sniper focus: one precise pass, one loud shout at the referee, and somehow we still get the result.
