7M - 'Yet Another Astonishing Outcome' - What's Changed for Man Utd These Days?

The triumph at Arsenal on Sunday marked yet another astonishing outcome for Manchester United, and I was greatly amazed by how they achieved it.

Similar to the recent Manchester derby, this success ultimately hinged on their key performers stepping up. Looking down the core of United's lineup at the Emirates, they all appeared as the talents we recognize.

Harry Maguire excelled in defense, Casemiro dominated midfield with his expertise. Bruno Fernandes, positioned in his preferred role as a No. 10, shone brightly, and forward Bryan Mbeumo posed a scoring danger while also retaining possession, intimidating opponents with his speed and vigor.

United netted two exceptional goals, yet their win wasn't dependent on remarkable solo efforts or flashes of brilliance.
Rather, the entire squad contributed to this victory, and coach Michael Carrick merits praise for devising a strategy to enable that.
'Man Utd's Squad Fits Their Setup Perfectly'

It's inevitable that folks will contrast this United display with the performances from the identical players during Ruben Amorim's final stint as boss, and it seemed like a transformed group.

Carrick's motivational style and interaction undoubtedly aided his team, but the crucial aspect for me was their evident ease in the team's configuration.

As I noted on Match of the Day, they appear more content - their demeanor is positive, they eagerly seek the ball, trust one another with it, and there's noticeably greater assurance.

I get why. It might seem straightforward, but an under-discussed factor following such a showing and result is the impact of deploying players in a system that matches them, one they grasp.

In this case, it was a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 structure with Fernandes operating as a 10 supporting Mbeumo. Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu were ready to retreat, having experience as wing-backs in defensive duties.

This allowed United to form a back six when necessary - but Diallo and Dorgu remained aware they were wide attackers in possession.
All understood their responsibilities, with Fernandes assisting Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, who effectively protected the rear four.
Fundamentally, United's structure and assigned tasks enabled them to defend collectively before surging ahead explosively when opportunities arose. Their speed made them highly threatening.

'Conceding First Ignited United's Drive'

Securing a win at the Emirates demands excellence in both possession and non-possession phases.

Defensively, you must be superb - structured and disciplined - so the unit knows when to drop back and purely thwart Arsenal's play.

Yet, you also need preparedness when regaining the ball to advance - via counters or prolonged build-up - and pose a real menace upon reaching the final third.

United delivered all this from kickoff. They troubled Arsenal by avoiding a purely low block - attempting a press, bold at the Emirates, but effective.

Alongside Arsenal's anxiety or laxity, it generated chances for United, nearly converted.

Arsenal began assertively, controlling the ball and field position. Scoring first, I expected them to dominate fully, but it actually spurred United onward.

Abruptly, they operated with added liberty and bolder choices - and, aided by Arsenal, leveled the match.

Once Mbeumo tied it, United exuded confidence. They entered halftime buoyed by the draw, then Dorgu struck a stunning goal post-interval, giving them a lead to defend while countering further.

There, I believe Arsenal assisted again via Mikel Arteta's quartet of substitutions shortly after trailing, which seemed like a hasty decision.
The crowd sought alterations for renewed energy to reverse the score, but removals included Martin Odegaard, who appeared lively, and Gabriel Jesus, who'd contributed positively. I thought the mass changes disrupted Arsenal's flow and drive.

It's risky assuming simultaneous subs will all influence play. Arteta may view it as justified - one replacement, Mikel Merino, did score from a set-piece to equalize - but United remained solid, and Arsenal's corner prowess is well-known.

At 2-2 with six regular minutes left, a draw seemed reasonable for both, but United's conviction persisted strongly, matched by their counter quality.

Matheus Cunha's decisive late strike was extraordinary, rewarding United's mindset. They aimed beyond mere containment, unsettling Arsenal.

A Critical Juncture for Arsenal's Campaign?

Even leading 1-0 versus United, I remarked I'd never witnessed this Arsenal side err so frequently.

Their absence of poise surprised me, as typically, even in non-fluid attacking games, they maintain command.

Here, that command evaporated.

I'd attribute part to the strain of chasing the championship, having experienced how tough composure is for top athletes amid high stakes.
During my Liverpool days, I had just one real title shot in 2001-02, and each fixture grew immense as the end neared.

Unfamiliar with such intensity, we faltered, ending second, seven points adrift of Arsenal.

Any team can experience that on occasion, particularly at home with current Emirates expectations. The issue arises if it recurs.
Sunday's loss has turned into a key moment in their year, as we ponder if the flaws versus United will worsen next outing - or spark the needed revival.

Arsenal earned only two points over their last three matches but lead by four points nearing February. They'd accept that preseason.
They boast fantastic talent, a robust, athletic unit with vast reserves, plus increased familiarity with pressure.

Thus, I anticipate a strong rebound.

Indeed, United exposed Arsenal's vulnerabilities, showing the league's top defense can falter and offer openings. But contextually, this was their initial home loss this term.

It's the sole instance I've seen them appear fragile, not signaling a collapse ahead or defining the season's remainder.

Media will probe this week: 'Will they falter under pressure?'

I doubt it.

They required a wake-up call, and United certainly delivered one.