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NEW
AFCON 2025
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Michael Carrick faces perhaps his sternest test as Manchester United manager when his resurgent side travels to face Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, a team whose tactical sophistication and relentless intensity could expose any remaining weaknesses in United's revival.
While the euphoria of a 2-0 Manchester Derby win still lingers at Old Trafford, the new boss Michael Carrick is under no illusions as he knows that Sunday’s trip to the Emirates represents a massive step up in difficulty.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Carrick was full of respect for a Mikel Arteta side that currently sits top of the Premier League and has been untouchable in Europe this season.
The "Big Challenge" Warning
“I’m looking forward to the game, Carrick stated. "It’s a big challenge, you know, they’re a very good team... They’re where they are for a reason and where they are in the Champions League for a reason, so we’re fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all.”
The reason Carrick refers to is simple: Arsenal are currently the most in-form team in Europe. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
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Just this Tuesday, they dismantled Inter Milan 3-1 at the San Siro to become the first club in modern history to win seven straight Champions League league-phase games.
With Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus in blistering form, they present a multi-dimensional threat that will test the defensive discipline Carrick praised in Diogo Dalot last week.
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The Emirates "Weakness"?
Despite their dominance, Carrick may have spotted a glimmer of hope in Arsenal's recent home form. While they are a fortress in North London, they did drop points in their last outing at the Emirates, a tense draw against Liverpool.
However, Carrick isn't relying on luck. He emphasised the need for "positive energy and enthusiasm" to match Arsenal's intensity, but warned his squad that victory "is not going to come easy."
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The match is being billed as a clash of philosophies. Arteta has reportedly been a long-time admirer of Carrick’s tactical mind, but on Sunday, student meets master.
While United thrived with just 31% possession against City, Arsenal’s ability to "suffocate" teams at the Emirates means Carrick will need his AFCON star Bryan Mbeumo to be even more clinical in his free role.
Carrick has the foundation, but Arsenal have the momentum. If United can break the Gunners' 12-match unbeaten streak, the "interim" tag on Carrick’s title might start to look very temporary indeed.