Manchester United Head coach Michael Carrick has spoken about the need to adapt and build upon their recent performance against Manchester City as they prepare to face league leaders Arsenal.
United delivered a tactically disciplined display to beat Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend. When asked if the team could employ a similarly proactive approach against Mikel Arteta’s side, Carrick acknowledged the qualities of both top opponents while stressing the unique nature of each match.
“They are a good team, and Man City are a good team,” Carrick stated. “Offensively, they occupy the entire width of the pitch well, they pose different problems from the sides, with crosses… They are very well organized, well coached.”
He pointed to a key aspect of United’s success against City: a resilient defensive performance at crucial moments. “I think we defended the box particularly well last week, when we needed to. We didn’t have to defend the box as often as people might have thought. We controlled the game well, and that’s a real credit to the lads.”
However, Carrick was clear that the plan for Arsenal cannot be a direct replica. He emphasized flexibility and continuous improvement as core principles.
“Every match is different, that’s a fact,” he explained. “It’s never the same, even at halftime, after playing well for 45 minutes. I’m not the type to ask for ‘the same thing,’ because it’s never the same.”
Looking ahead to the clash at the Emirates, the coach outlined the process. “We need to build on it. It won’t be a simple copy-paste. There are new elements to integrate.”
Carrick concluded with a message of readiness, implying that the confidence gained from the City result can be a foundation. “We need to be ready, we need to be at our best, and if we are, we think we have a good chance.”