Harry Maguire takes subtle dig at Arsenal’s set-piece reliance | OneFootball

Manchester United pulled off yet another memorable result in the Premier League, this time away to Arsenal on Sunday.

Despite going down a goal in the first half, the Red Devils fought back to clinch a 3-2 win thanks to a late winner from Matheus Cunha.

Michael Carrick’s arrival has galvanised previously under-fire stars, with the away side climbing into the top four as a result of the victory.

Not many would have expected the former United midfielder to work his magic so quickly, but he has done just that.

Carrick earns praise

The 20-time English league champions have now beaten the league leaders and primary challengers in back-to-back weeks.

Harry Maguire, who was a rock at the back, credited the ex-England international for getting the team’s plans spot on, while also lauding the squad’s mentality to come up with the winner late in the game.

“It’s absolutely massive. We know the first game under Michael Carrick was the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, you always get up for those games and results like that can happen. But we knew we had to back it up today,” the defender told Sky Sports (via the club website).

“We spoke about it before the game, coming here to face the league leaders, who have been excellent this season. They ask a lot of questions of you, and to go and get the winner after a late setback shows the character of this team. It was a magnificent performance.”

United were comfortable vs Arsenal

Interestingly, the Englishman also claimed that they knew the Gunners would dominate in the beginning, but he felt the visitors were comfortable when the hosts had the ball.

The 32-year-old added that Arsenal were only dangerous from set-pieces, something Mikel Arteta will not be too pleased to hear.

“I thought the first 20 minutes, Arsenal started really well. They put us on the back foot, but we watched their game against Liverpool, and they did the same there.

“After 20 minutes, I thought we got a grip on the game and started being more brave on the ball, and when we started playing through the middle and making passes through the lines, I thought we were comfortable in the second half.

Cunha the show-stealer

“Their biggest threat was set-plays. They managed to score one, and it was a scrappy goal to concede. Like I said, we have qualities that can hurt teams, and we did that today.”

The centre-back then went on to praise Matheus Cunha for popping up to make yet another match-winning contribution, after his derby assist last weekend.

Having players back from AFCON and injury have helped, as has Michael Carrick’s perfect man-management skills.

“Michael Carrick has come in, and he’s been brilliant with us. He’s brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised. Obviously, two tough games [City and Arsenal], everyone probably thought we would come away from them with not many points, but we won both of them.

Now for Fulham

“Obviously, we have a much bigger squad now with the return of the players from AFCON. Players like Matheus [Cunha] coming off the bench, who I’m sure is not too happy sitting on the bench in the last two games – I know what he’s like, he wants to play – but I must say he has made the difference in the two games.

“He came on against City and changed the game, and today he’s made the difference for us. It just shows the squad of players we have and the attacking talent we have that can come on and do that.”

United cannot afford to relax as now, the challenge is all about consistency and coming up with the goods when a team sits back and defends, as Fulham are likely to do next weekend.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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