Carrick Shatters 16-Year Premier League Record with Stunning Start at Man Utd

- by Olatunji Johnson

Interim boss, after beating City and Arsenal, rejuvenates squad and sparks talk of the job being his long-term.

In a remarkable twist to Manchester United’s turbulent season, interim manager Michael Carrick has achieved a feat unseen in the Premier League for over 16 years. By securing consecutive victories over Manchester City and league-leaders Arsenal, Carrick has masterminded a record-breaking start that has injected fresh belief into the club.

The staggering statistic, confirmed by Opta, reveals Carrick is the first manager since David Moyes with Everton in 2010 to win back-to-back top-flight games against teams sitting in the top two at the start of the matchday. In the 36 instances where a Premier League side had the chance to do so since, all had failed—until now.

United’s 3-2 triumph at the Emirates, sealed by superb strikes from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha, ended Arsenal’s 12-game unbeaten run. It was a victory of resilience. After going behind to a Lisandro Martínez own goal and later conceding a late equaliser, United dug deep for their first league win at Arsenal since 2017.

“The boys put an awful lot in today,” Carrick told Sky Sports. “This one we had to dig deep… I’m really proud.” When pressed on whether he now sees a long-term project for himself at Old Trafford, the typically understated coach offered a intriguing response. “I am enjoying it, it is a fantastic position to be in… I will continue to do what I can.”

His immediate impact is undeniable. Beyond the historic results, Carrick has revitalised the squad, notably reinstating and inspiring previously sidelined figures. Harry Maguire, named Player of the Match against Arsenal, praised the new energy. “Michael has come in and he has been brilliant with us,” Maguire said. “He has brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised.”

The record-breaking parallel with David Moyes adds a layer of fortune. Interestingly, one of Moyes’s two wins for Everton in 2010 was a 3-1 victory over Manchester United—the very club Carrick now leads to similar heights, albeit from the dugout.

With the January transfer window yet to yield new signings, Carrick’s success is a story of man-management and tactical clarity. Having already secured two of the season’s most significant wins, the interim boss has not just broken a longstanding record—he has forcefully entered the conversation about who should lead Manchester United forward.

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