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Legendary Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Names What Michael Carrick Has Brought at Manchester United

Arsene Wenger has lauded Man United caretaker coach Michael Carrick. Image: Imago
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has identified the things Michael Carrick has got right since his appointment as Man United’s caretaker coach.
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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in awe of Michael Carrick’s job at Manchester United so far.

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Carrick was appointed United’s caretaker coach following the sacking of Ruben Amorim this month and was given a baptism by fire as his first two games were against Manchester City and Arsenal, the Premier League’s best sides.

However, Carrick masterminded a 2-0 win over City before Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 win away to Arsenal and among those delighted with his work is Wenger, who was manager of Arsenal for 23 years.

Wenger Lauds Carrick’s Work

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“Man Utd had good build up and cohesion, Arsenal with more power and fighting but not clean play,” Wenger said when analysing Sunday’s match on beIN Sports.

“[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.”

United conceded an own goal from Lisandro Martinez after 29 minutes but Ryan Mbeumo equalised in the 37th minute after latching onto a lose ball from Martin Zubimendi for 1-1 at halftime.

Patrick Dorgu would score United’s second with a cracking shot inside 50 minutes and Carrick’s team looked on course for a 2-1 win until Mikel Merino scored from a corner with six minutes to go.

What Has Carrick Done Differently?

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Rather than fold and seek to salvage a point from the game, United went for the winner which was slotted home by substitute Matheus Cunha three minutes later and Wenger has identified the tactical decisions that Carrick has got right so far.

“I believe that Carrick has found a good formula that is a good balance between defensive stability and a good technical level,” added the three-time Premier League-winning coach with Arsenal.

“It's the first time I felt the [Arsenal] centre backs were a bit more nervous and less dominant than usually in the games.”

Victory lifted United to fourth place for the first time in over two years and revives their hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

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