Not Wanting to Get Lost in Euphoria, Carrick Turns Focus to Manchester United's Remaining Matches

JAKARTA - Michael Carrick said Manchester United still has bigger games ahead after a 3-2 victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

The note extended his early winning streak as manager and prompted the club's supporters to sing "we're going to win the league" at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United climbed into the Champions League qualification position after goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and Matheus Cunha secured their first league win at home to Arsenal since December 2017.

After beating Manchester City 2-0 in Carrick's first game as manager last week - following his appointment as a replacement for sacked Ruben Amorim - the Red Devils are now in fourth place with 12 points behind the Gunners.

However, with Manchester United knocked out of both domestic cups and with only 15 Premier League games remaining until the end of the season, Carrick did not want to get carried away in the euphoria of the victory over Arsenal.

He said it was important to remain focused on each game, starting with Fulham's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

"I'm not going to get carried away. We have some big games, bigger games, coming up, because every next game is a bigger game."

"So, we won't get carried away. We have very important things coming up and we need to keep improving."

"However, there is a lot of emotion, a lot of energy, and a lot of confidence you can take from that (beating Manchester City and Arsenal)."

"However, remain humble and understand how we got this result. That is very important for the future," said Carrick.

Manchester United's victory was marked by Denmark's Dorgu, who limped off the field in the final minutes, but Carrick hopes the winger does not suffer a more serious injury than cramps.

"Pat has been an important player for us in the last few games, in many ways in attack, but defensively he's been exceptional as well against two teams."

"I'm happy for him because he's given so much in his performances. It's nice to see him smile. He came off the pitch with a bit of cramp, so hopefully it's nothing more than that," Carrick said.

Meanwhile, although Carrick was reluctant to comment on whether he was a candidate to take over the manager's position permanently at the end of the season, the former Manchester United midfielder said the team must now focus on maintaining an impressive start under his leadership.

"What will happen next (manager position) I will not answer it every week. I enjoy it and I will continue to do what I can."

"I know from our perspective it's just about moving on to the next game. We've only been together less than two weeks."

"So, it's just about continuing to build good habits and routines. The players have been fantastic in that regard."

"I think we can't look too far ahead. I know it's a bit obvious, but looking too far ahead can backfire and hurt you. We go through this week by week, game by game, and we'll definitely continue to do that."

"However, we have to use it, you have to use emotions, you have to use energy, you have to use confidence."

"The focus is clear. Everything is in front of us now, it's a good start, but we just need to keep building on it," Carrick said.