Manchester United staged a 3-2 comeback to clinch a last-minute win over Arsenal! With consecutive victories, they move into the top four, and Carrick surpasses Amorebieta's year-long record within just 10 days.

Four years on, Carrick guided Manchester United against Arsenal once more, and the result was again 3-2. The Red Devils, after a week of his coaching, achieved back-to-back wins over the league leaders, officially placing fourth in the Premier League rather than temporarily. Post-match, Carrick stood silently at the Emirates touchline with hands in pockets, though inside he might have been turbulent, he gestured with his hands to calm the squad.

Carrick fielded the exact same starting lineup as in the 2-0 win over Manchester City, but his tactics were more flexible than Amorebieta’s. The 4-2-3-1 formation shifted to a 3-4-1 when defending, with wingers Patrick Doig and Amad Diallo acting as wing-backs, positions they have experience playing.

As expected before the match, Manchester United aimed to threaten the struggling leaders with counterattacks. Although Arteta’s team leads the table, they have only won 2 of their last 9 matches. Carrick expressed confidence that as long as United performed well, victory was achievable. The outcome proved his words right.

Arsenal’s main threat continued to come from set pieces. United goalkeeper Sena Ramens saved a header from Soubidemendi. United’s defense suffered a blow in the 29th minute when Saka crossed from the right, Odegaard’s shot-cum-pass deflected off Lisandro Martinez, who recently exchanged words with legends like Scholes, into his own net, putting United 0-1 behind.

However, having played in the Champions League midweek, Arsenal’s defense showed lapses in concentration, making multiple mistakes that gave United chances. Captain Bruno Fernandes had two shooting opportunities, the second after Saliba was distracted and missed the ball, but unfortunately, Bruno’s shot went wide.

Fortunately for United, Arsenal kept gifting chances. In the 36th minute, Soubidemendi’s back pass turned into an own goal assist; Mbemmo broke free one-on-one, dribbled past the keeper, and calmly scored to level the match at 1-1. The Cameroonian winger scored in two consecutive games, maintaining his status as the club’s top scorer with 8 Premier League goals.

The first half ended evenly matched, but five minutes into the second half, another scorer from the Manchester derby, Doig, struck again! After a tangled exchange with Bruno Fernandes, he executed a stunning volley that found the net, putting United ahead 2-1. Thanks to this theoretical assist, Bruno became the second player after Rooney to record double-digit Premier League assists in consecutive seasons.

Trailing, Arsenal made four substitutions and launched a vigorous counterattack. In the 71st minute, they believed substitute “Mechao striker” Merino’s shot was illegally blocked by Maguire’s hand inside the box, which should have resulted in a penalty. However, the referee ruled Maguire’s arm was in a natural position, so no penalty was awarded.

In the 84th minute, Ramens, who had been performing well, made a mistake by missing a catch; amid the scramble, Merino scored on the rebound, equalizing at 2-2. The home side naturally aimed to press on and secure all three points to maintain their 7-point lead over Manchester City.

But things didn’t go as planned. United’s substitute forward Cunha, who replaced Mbemmo, became the “super sub.” Receiving a pass from Cody Meno, he turned and curled a shot into the net, putting United ahead 3-2 again, a lead they held until the final whistle!

Joining United for £62.5 million and scoring 15 goals last season, Cunha’s goal tally had declined. Yet this decisive goal will etch his name in Red Devils history. The Brazilian striker was ecstatic, not only dancing in celebration but also swearing at the live camera: “It’s fucking me again!”

The broadcaster Sky Sports UK had to apologize for airing this moment, and Cunha may face disciplinary action, as Rooney was once suspended for two matches for similar conduct.

Since December 2017, this is the first time Manchester United have won a league match at Arsenal’s home. The last victory was during Mourinho’s era when goalkeeper De Gea made 14 saves and Lingard scored twice in a 3-1 win. At that time, Carrick was still a player. Later, as an assistant coach, he witnessed Solskjaer’s United conquer the Emirates in the FA Cup fourth round.

Carrick’s United also achieved their first comeback win at Arsenal’s ground since the 4-2 victory on February 4, 2005. Over the past 20 years, the Red Devils have faced a losing scoreline in 12 away matches at the Gunners, losing 11 of those games. After the match, Carrick said: “This is truly a wonderful day. We worked incredibly hard, the players performed excellently, and I’m proud of them.”

Reflecting on the match, Carrick summarized: “In the early stages, we had to endure Arsenal’s attacks continuously. But as the game progressed, the team found its rhythm. We faced setbacks but bounced back strongly. There were difficulties near the end, yet we managed to recover again. There are many positive aspects to acknowledge. I’ve only coached for 10 days and played two matches, so the performance is far from perfect, especially against a strong team like Arsenal. However, there are many encouraging signs to learn from, and we will keep improving.”

Carrick praised Cunha, who became a substitute under his management, for his goal. “To be fair, both of our second-half goals were outstanding. Patrick (Doig) was incredible, and Mateus (Cunha) took a decisive shot right after receiving the ball, showing great composure at a crucial moment,” Carrick said. “This partly reflects the team’s characteristics this week. Mateus didn’t start either of the two matches but still made a huge impact. Despite feeling disappointed not to start, he used that mindset positively. He assisted last week and scored this time, playing a vital role. Given his efforts throughout the week, he fully deserved this goal, and I’m genuinely happy for him.”

Regarding how he has changed Manchester United, Carrick said he simply instilled confidence in the players and made sensible decisions. To summarize, he employed formations and tactics suited to the players’ strengths, exploited the opponent’s weaknesses, made timely substitutions, and maintained the players’ confidence and fighting spirit.

“I believe the key lies in the messages we send to the players and how we behave,” Carrick explained. “I have great faith in them and strive to show it. It’s not just about words; I think assigning tasks or discussing match situations with players isn’t difficult, but truly making them feel confident is. We must demonstrate self-belief and conviction because they have the ability. Now, we must ensure they maintain this state.”

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was all smiles watching live in London, very pleased with Carrick’s coaching start. He declined interviews upon leaving, pressing his lips tightly. However, when asked if he was satisfied with the result, he replied, “Yes, very much so.”

When asked if he was considering a permanent role, Carrick responded: “Nothing has changed. I’ve been here less than two weeks. I’m eager to achieve good results, strengthen the team, and aim for the best possible ranking. The performances today and last week will motivate us, and we hope to maintain this form in the coming weeks.”