7M - Michael Carrick Makes Quiet Case for Manchester United Manager Role After Perfect Start

Michael Carrick is far too seasoned to reveal whether he wants the permanent Manchester United manager job—but his actions on the touchline and the results speak volumes.

After guiding United to a dramatic 3-2 win at Arsenal—their first victory at the Emirates in eight years—Carrick remained measured. His children were among the 3,000 traveling fans celebrating wildly when Matheus Cunha netted the 87th-minute winner, capping a stunning comeback after conceding an 84th-minute equalizer.

The victory marked Carrick's second straight win in charge, following a 2-1 triumph over Manchester City. That's more than Ruben Amorim managed in his final five games (seven points total), and twice the haul United earned from their previous three matches against Leeds, Wolves, and Burnley—three teams currently in the Premier League's bottom five.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, watching from the directors' box, had rare reason to smile. Since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford two years ago, such moments have been scarce.

Six weeks ago, few would have backed Carrick over Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner as Amorim's successor. Now, perceptions are shifting.

"I'm here to do a job," Carrick told Sky Sports, deflecting questions about his future. "I'm not getting carried away. We won't look too far ahead—that can bite you."

He credited his players' energy and humility: "You have to ride the emotion, but also stay grounded. These two results came from how we prepared and applied ourselves."

Carrick has already reversed key issues from Amorim's tenure: scrapping the 3-4-3 system, restoring a back four, reintroducing Kobbie Mainoo, and pushing Bruno Fernandes into a more advanced role. He also made bold selections—opting for Patrick Dorgu over Cunha in the left attacking position, a move that paid off with Dorgu scoring in both matches.

Cunha, despite starting on the bench, delivered a decisive goal at Arsenal and an assist against City. "He epitomizes our spirit," Carrick said. "He was disappointed not to start, but used it positively. He totally deserves these moments."

Cunha echoed the sentiment: "There's a different energy now. Michael played here—he knows what this club means. He told us everyone's against us, so we must give everything."

Pundits took notice. "What a job he's doing," said Micah Richards on Sky Sports. "The spirit's changed. The big question was: Could they back up the City win? They absolutely did."

Just three weeks ago, Carrick was on holiday in Barbados with Wayne Rooney. On Friday, they sat together at Old Trafford watching Rooney's son Kai help United's U-18s reach the FA Youth Cup last 16.

Rooney, who knows the pressure of leading United, summed it up: "Two wins out of two against City and Arsenal? He probably didn't dream of this start. But you've seen a complete change since he took over."