7M - Carrick eyes Emirates upset as Arteta warns of 'lethal' Manchester United counter-attack

Michael Carrick faces his most formidable challenge yet as Manchester United's interim manager, traveling to face Premier League frontrunners Arsenal this Sunday. Following a sensational debut—a 2-0 Manchester derby triumph at Old Trafford—Carrick is eager to see if his squad can replicate that dominance against the title favorites.

Carrick: "We must face this head-on"

Despite Arsenal's formidable unbeaten home record this season, Carrick remains undaunted. While United have not tasted a league victory at the Emirates since 2017, the 44-year-old coach previously bested Mikel Arteta in 2021 during a brief caretaker stint. However, Carrick was quick to dismiss past results, focusing instead on the current momentum.

"Mikel has done a superb job; they are a well-rounded side with dangerous wingers and a balanced defensive structure," Carrick told. "But our players are in a great place after this past week. We've shown we are a good team, and now we have to keep proving it. We understand the challenge, but we are going there to face it head-on."

Arteta Wary of United's Resurgence

Arsenal enter the fixture looking to break a streak of scoreless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta, who praised Carrick as one of his "favorite No. 6s" from their playing days, noted that United have already adopted a more aggressive identity under their new boss.

"Michael brings fresh ideas and heightened intensity," Arteta remarked. "Their performance in the derby proved that when they have space to exploit, they are lethal. Historically, United have always possessed players perfectly profiled for the counter-attack, and right now, they are among the best at it."

Reflecting on the 3-2 defeat to Carrick's United in 2021, the Arsenal manager added: "Those aren't great memories, and we are determined to change them on Sunday."