Manchester United are ready to face Arsenal in the Premier League and Michael Carrick has made some tactical tweaks despite keeping the same XI that beat Manchester City.
Michael Carrick enjoyed an ideal start to his tenure as Manchester United manager last weekend, guiding his side to an impressive 2–0 victory over rivals Manchester City.
It was not just the result that stood out, but the commanding nature of the performance, and Carrick will be eager for his players to replicate that level as they face Arsenal next.
United head to the Emirates Stadium hoping to spring a surprise against the Premier League leaders, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently sitting four points clear at the summit.
The Red Devils have not recorded a league win away to the Gunners since their 3–1 success in December 2017, although they did eliminate Arsenal on penalties at the Emirates in last season’s FA Cup.
Carrick speaks on United confidence
United fans would have been dreading this clash with Arsenal a couple of weeks ago but Carrick’s start has given everyone around the club renewed confidence.
A result against Arteta’s side will still be extremely difficult but the United boss is pleased with the feeling around his group heading into the game.
“Listen, you can feel the energy, you can feel the positivity and confidence. The boys are that little bit lighter in everything they do,” Carrick told Sky Sports.
“It’s just building on that, and trying to take that next step and improve. There’s no getting away from it, it was a huge win for us for so many reasons but today’s a different game and we’ve got to be ready for this one.”
Carrick explains tactical tweak vs Arsenal
There were several selection headaches for Carrick in this game but the simple move for him to make was by naming an unchanged lineup and that’s exactly what he’s done.
Bryan Mbeumo will continue in his centre-forward role while Patrick Dorgu and Amad flank him as wingers. Bruno Fernandes is playing just in front of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.
When speaking to the media before the game, Carrick explained how this team will give United the ‘foundation’ against Arsenal but added that there have been some tactical tweaks since the game against City.
“I think it gives us the foundation to build on, it won’t be the same and it’ll look a bit different, we’ve got some different ideas and tweaks that we are trying to put into the game,” the United boss added.
“But certainly it can give us the foundation, and we looked dangerous and defended well; last week was the perfect balance and we’ve got to get something similar today.”
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