Carrick's 'Found The Formula': Arsene Wenger Lauds Man United's Emirates Heist

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 20:04 IST

Wenger praised Carrick for leading Manchester United to dramatic wins over Arsenal and Man City, noting United's new balance and cohesion under Carrick's interim leadership.

Michael Carrick has injected United with a jolt of newfound energy and belief (AP)

Arsène Wenger believes Michael Carrick has already “found a formula" at Manchester United — and Arsenal sure paid the price for it at the Emirates.

Just 12 days into his interim spell, Carrick has now outmanoeuvred Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta in back-to-back matches, steering United to statement away wins that have jolted the Premier League title race.

Watching United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal, Wenger — a man who knows a thing or two about high-stakes battles with United — was visibly impressed.

“I think there is something going on in this Man United team," Wenger said on beIN Sports. “Between the way they beat Man City and the way they beat Arsenal today, the performances were very convincing."

What stood out most to the former Arsenal boss was United’s response under pressure. When Mikel Merino dragged Arsenal back to 2-2, momentum suggested the home side would go on to win.

Instead, Carrick’s United struck again.

“When Arsenal came back to 2-2, usually it’s the home team who wins the game," Wenger said. “But United found the resources to score the third goal and win 3-2 away from home in a top game. I have to congratulate Carrick. He has created something."

Arsenal remain top of the table, four points clear after 23 games, but Wenger believes Carrick exposed cracks that others haven’t.

“When you concede three goals at home, it’s difficult to win," he said. “The goals illustrated the way both teams played."

Wenger contrasted Arsenal’s approach — driven by power and moments — with United’s growing cohesion.

“Manchester United were well built up, with good cohesion," he explained. “Arsenal relied more on fighting and physical power, especially for the second goal. The first goal wasn’t clean play either."

The biggest endorsement came when Wenger highlighted United’s newfound balance, something they have often lacked in recent seasons.

“I believe Carrick has found a good formula," he said. “A good balance between defensive stability and technical quality."

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