Manchester United’s interim coach has urged players to stay focused in every upcoming match.
Manchester United seem to have found a ray of light in a dark period. They have just secured back-to-back wins over the Premier League’s top two teams, Manchester City and Arsenal. Yet interim coach Michael Carrick is not letting the team get carried away with excitement. He has sent a clear message to maintain focus in every match ahead.
On Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, United won a thrilling five-goal clash against Arsenal, 3-2. This marked the club’s first league victory at the ground since December 2017.
For a long time, United have been haunted by past failures. Following a string of disappointing results, former coach Huub Emery lost his job earlier this year. Interim responsibility was briefly handed to Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher for two matches, but the team could not break the cycle, losing to Brighton and exiting the FA Cup in the third round.
Carrick, a former United player with five Premier League titles, was later appointed interim coach. In his first match in charge last week, United defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Now comes the win against Arsenal. Despite beating the top-of-the-table Gunners, United remain fourth, 12 points behind Arsenal.
United have already exited two cup competitions this season, with 15 Premier League matches still remaining.
After the Arsenal win, Carrick said the key now is keeping players focused from the upcoming match against Fulham onward.
“I’m not getting carried away with excitement. We have some big matches ahead, even bigger matches, because every next match is a big match. So we are keeping our feet on the ground. There are really important things ahead of us where we need to improve.”
“You can take a lot of energy, a lot of confidence, and motivation from (beating City and Arsenal), but we must remain humble and understand how we got these results. This is truly important to move forward.”
Carrick had also served as interim coach in 2021. He remained unbeaten in three matches (two wins and one draw), including a 3-2 victory over Arsenal similar to this season.
When asked whether he will take permanent charge after this season, the former defensive midfielder declined to comment.
“I won’t answer every week about what will happen next. I’m enjoying the job and will continue doing what I can.”
