Gary Neville identifies exactly why United were able to defeat Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester United sent shockwaves across the world of football as they defeated Arsenal 3-2.

Not only did Arsenal go into the match as favourites due to leading the Premier League, but they also had the home ground advantage. Still, this did not deter Man United, who had the confidence and grit needed to get the job done.

Central to this victory was Michael Carrick, who had previously led United to a 2-0 win over Manchester City. With two wins in two since becoming interim head coach, plenty of pundits and fans are talking about Carrick’s tenure so far and how exactly he has been able to effect such rapid change in so little time.

United legend Gary Neville believes that he might have the answer.

The Carrick effect

According to Diogo Dalot, United look a lot better under Carrick because everyone seems to have a shared goal. He explained that everyone seems motivated and full of energy, ready to achieve their shared vision.

While the likes of Roy Keane remain hesitant to say that Carrick has what it takes to become the team’s next permanent manager, Neville has brought his own view of United’s change in approach to the conversation, explaining why United emerged victorious despite being underdogs against Arsenal.

Gary Neville’s take

“What a remarkable week,” Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. “I’m absolutely blown away by what I’ve seen in eight days because you can’t believe how low and how bad it was a few weeks ago in terms of some of the performances we’ve seen.”

“There are a number of things that have changed,” Neville observed, making a direct comparison between Carrick’s tenure and that of Ruben Amorim. “The intensity, the compactness, the aggression of the defending, their willingness to get behind the ball together and be difficult to beat.”

One area where Neville really thought United managed to tip the scales in their favour was the way in which the entire team supported each other, with players doing well to fulfil the requirements of their positions while helping out in other roles as well.

“The big thing for me is that they’ve got a threat up front, they’ve got a group of players who are talented up front, who are also getting back and helping the defenders. The wide players are getting back and helping the full-backs, the full-backs are getting out aggressively against Saka and against Trossard.

It’s hard to disagree with Neville’s assessment, given the team’s great level of cohesion, not to mention the players’ aggression, speed, and confidence to take the match to Arsenal and beat them despite being viewed as underdogs.

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