‘He changed everything’ — Michael Carrick heaps praises on one player after Man United win vs Arsenal

Michael Carrick could barely hide his pride after Manchester United produced another statement win, this time stunning Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium in one of the games of the Premier League season. It was a night full of drama, courage and quality, and once again, Matheus Cunha proved to be the difference-maker when it mattered most.

United arrived in north London knowing they would have to suffer. Arsenal, strong at home and chasing the title, started with intensity and purpose, forcing the visitors deep and dominating possession in the early stages. That pressure eventually told when the hosts took the lead, putting United on the back foot in a hostile environment.

But what followed was a clear sign of how much Carrick’s side has grown in belief and character.

Rather than folding, United responded with calm and confidence. They began to move the ball quicker, press with more intent and take advantage of Arsenal’s rare mistakes. Bryan Mbeumo brought the scores level after capitalising on a lapse at the back, and from that moment, the momentum shifted.

The Red Devils carried that energy into the second half, and it was Patrick Dorgu who fired United into the lead with a stunning strike, underlining his rapid development and growing importance to the team. Arsenal would later claw their way back into the contest from a set-piece, but Carrick had one final move up his sleeve.

That move was Matheus Cunha.

Rather than protecting a draw or sitting deep to defend, Carrick showed bravery from the touchline. He introduced Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, making it clear that United were still playing to win. The decision paid off in spectacular fashion when Cunha produced a moment of pure quality late on, bending a brilliant finish past David Raya to silence the Emirates crowd.

It was the kind of goal that defines big matches and big players.

After full-time, Carrick was full of praise for the Brazilian forward, who has made a habit of changing games from the bench in recent weeks.

“Matheus coming on and having a big impact again, like he did last week,” Carrick said. “Creating a goal last week. I really fancied him to score. Again, fantastic finish.

“He’s not started both games, but he’s had a real big impact. He’s been disappointed not to start, but he’s used it in a really good way. Two huge moments, and he totally deserves that winning goal.”

Those words tell the story of Cunha’s mentality. While many players struggle when left out of the starting XI, the Brazilian has channelled that frustration into match-winning performances. His hunger, movement and composure in front of goal have given United a new edge in tight games.

The win also underlined just how far United have come in a short space of time. They became the first team to score three goals against Arsenal since 2023, and remarkably, they also ended the Gunners’ incredible run of 24 consecutive wins when scoring first. These are not small achievements; they are signs of a team learning how to compete at the very top again.

Perhaps most encouraging of all is United’s newfound attacking depth. Last season, goals were a major problem. United scored just 44 league goals across the entire campaign, a figure that left them lagging behind their rivals. This season, after only 23 matches, they have already matched that tally.

Cunha and Mbeumo have both delivered consistently, while Sesko is starting to find his rhythm, scoring three goals in his last two starts. Bruno Fernandes continues to lead by example, contributing goals and assists, and younger players like Dorgu and Shea Lacey are stepping up when given the chance.

For the first time in years, United look like a side with real options. Carrick can change games with his bench, rotate without losing quality and trust his squad to respond in big moments.

Beyond the numbers, there is also a clear shift in attitude. United now play with belief, bravery and a willingness to take risks. Fans want two things above all else: entertaining football and success. Under Carrick, they are finally getting both.

In five games across his two spells in charge, Carrick’s United are unbeaten, with four wins, one draw and 11 goals scored. More importantly, they have gone from struggling against teams near the bottom to beating title contenders like Manchester City and Arsenal.

The road ahead is still long, and tougher tests will come, but nights like this feel significant. A famous win at the Emirates, a super-sub hero in Matheus Cunha, and a manager making bold decisions without fear.