Reading Time: 4 minutes

Today, Manchester United, under its interim coach Michael Carrick, showed why it must be fancied to make the top four come the end of the season.

This game was epic, and Manchester United played with verve and a new belief, taking the game to Arsenal.

Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United has beaten both Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back. That will give the team enormous confidence knowing it took out both leading contenders for this season’s EPL trophy and looked like doing so.

After the game, Manchester United interim coach Michael Carrick said, “ I am massively proud. It is very different to last week, two very different games. They put us under pressure in different ways, and we never had as much threat as we did last week.

“To come here and score three goals in the manner we did – going one down and then coming back and then the setback-the boys had to put a lot in today.

“Last week the feel of the game was with us, but in this one we had to dig deep. It was a massive effort and I’m proud of the players.

There’s no doubt about it, Manchester United are on a roll and have found a spark. This team is playing for Carrick. 

Arsenal’s fragility and mental fortitude were again called into question.

After the game, Arsenal’s Head Coach Mikel Arteta commented: “First of all, you have to congratulate Man Utd for the victory. It happened in a really strange way, to be fair, because we were very dominant in the first half hour. We scored the goal and had two more brilliant chances to score- and then we gave them the goal, which is very unusual from our side. That changed the momentum and the energy a little bit.

“After that, we dropped our standard a bit, we have to do much better with the ball. And then they had two magic moments from Dorgu and Cunha -credit to them because in big games you need those moments. We were carrying a little bit of that negativity and the lack of fluidity we needed.

“It’s a really painful one. But now is the time to be very close to the players who have given us so much joy and so many great performances and to support them.

“Man Utd are very dangerous and we knew that. We have to learn from it. Defeats are a part of winning.”

Arsenal legend and former coach, Arsène Wenger on TV punditry duties observed: “ I think there is something going on in this Manchester United team between the way they beat Man City and the way they beat Arsenal today.

“The way they played was very convincing, and as well when Arsenal came back to 2-2 usually it’s the home team who wins the game. United found again the resources to score the third goal and to win 3-2 away from home in a top game. I have to congratulate Carrick. He has created something.”

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been overly critical of Manchester United’s coaching staff and does not see Carrick as a credible full-time coach of his former team.

Did he change his mind after today’s performance? 

“If United win every game from now until the end of the season, I wouldn’t be giving him the job. They need a bigger and more experienced manager. The size of the club, the challenges they’ll face in the next few years, you want a manager who’ll come in and get league titles.

“Am I supposed to believe  Michael Carrick can come and win league titles?  I don’t believe he’s the man to get Man United winning league titles.”

Carrick has remained unperturbed by Keane’s barbs and is focused on getting his head down and getting results week in week out.

“I give a lot of credit to the staff and the players in terms of what they have invested and the way they have bought into it. It is really a collective feeling, and it’s great when it comes together and everyone is into it.

“We said two weeks ago when we came in that we make every decision for the greater good of the football club. My job is to keep improving the team and not get carried away with two massive results. It is always about what’s next and keeping our feet on the ground. I’m enjoying it and will continue to do what I can,” said the Manchester United boss.

Arsenal lead the EPL by 4 points after 23 games. Manchester  United jump to fourth spot with 38 points, 12  behind Arsenal.