Michael Carrick: Manchester United faces more significant matches ahead

Michael Carrick stated that Manchester United have “more significant matches ahead” following a 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal, which marked his successful start as head coach and led the club’s supporters to chant “We’re gonna win the league” at the Emirates.

United climbed into the Champions League qualification positions after goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and Matheus Cunha secured their first league victory away at Arsenal since December 2017.

After defeating Manchester City 2-0 in Carrick’s inaugural match in charge last week, following his appointment as the replacement for the dismissed Ruben Amorim until the season’s conclusion, United now find themselves 12 points behind the Gunners.

However, with United eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and only 15 Premier League matches remaining until the season’s end, Carrick emphasized the necessity of maintaining focus on each game, beginning with Fulham’s visit to Old Trafford next Sunday.

“I’m not getting carried away,” Carrick informed reporters. “We have some significant matches, even bigger matches, approaching, as every subsequent game is the bigger game.

“So we are not becoming complacent. We have crucial matters ahead that we need to keep improving upon.

“There is a lot of emotion, energy, and confidence that can be drawn from those victories [against City and Arsenal], but it is essential to remain humble and recognize how we achieved these results. That is vital as we move forward.”

While Carrick refrained from commenting on whether he is a candidate for the permanent managerial position at the end of the season, the former United midfielder noted that the team must concentrate on sustaining their strong start under his leadership.

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“I won’t be addressing what happens next [regarding the manager role] every week,” Carrick remarked.

“I am enjoying this role and will continue to do what I can.

“From our standpoint, it is simply about progressing to the next match. It has been less than two weeks since we came together, so we must continue to establish good habits and routines. The players have been exceptional in that regard.

“However, I don’t believe we can look too far ahead. We certainly won’t be doing so, and we will finish where we finish by achieving results.

“I understand that may seem obvious, but looking too far ahead can lead to setbacks. We have approached this week by week, game by game, and we will certainly maintain that approach, but we must embrace it, utilize the emotion, the energy, and the confidence.

“But there is a clear focus. Everything lies ahead of us now; it is a positive start, but we must continue to build.”

United’s victory was overshadowed by Denmark international Dorgu departing the field with a limp in the final moments, but Carrick expressed optimism that the winger was experiencing nothing more serious than cramp.

“Pat has been a significant player for us in recent matches, contributing greatly in both attacking and defensive aspects against two teams that pose many challenges,” Carrick stated.

“I am pleased for him because he has invested so much into his performances. It is nice to see him smiling.

“He left the pitch with a bit of cramp, so hopefully, it is nothing more than that.”