JAKARTA - Manchester United coach Michael Carrick believes the away match against Arsenal in the 2025/2026 English League continuation at the Emirates Stadium, London, Sunday, January 25 night, will be a tough test for his team.
Carrick called Arsenal one of the most complete teams this season, both in terms of player quality and playing style.
"I'm really looking forward to that game. They are a very good team, that's for sure. They have a lot of strength, both in the way they play and the quality of their squad," Carrick said, quoted from Manchester United's official website, Sunday morning.
He emphasized that the Red Devils must not be complacent. According to him, facing the leader of the standings requires full focus for 90 minutes.
However, Carrick feels MU comes with a positive capital. The convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Manchester derby last week is said to have given the team a big confidence boost.
"One game doesn't necessarily make you a great team, but it gives us a really good foundation to build on. There's a lot of confidence and positive feeling within the team, but it has to be measured. We know what's coming and have to be ready," he said.
In terms of the squad, Carrick confirmed that center back Matthijs de Ligt was absent due to a muscle problem. The Dutch defender is expected to return in the next few weeks.
This match is a crucial moment for MU to break into the Champions League zone. Currently they are in fifth place with 35 points from 22 matches, only one point behind Liverpool in fourth place.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have a different mission. Victory will further strengthen their position at the top of the standings. The Gunners now have 50 points from 22 matches, seven points ahead of Manchester City in second place.
With the big stakes of both camps - Arsenal keeping the distance at the top and MU chasing the top four - the duel at the Emirates is predicted to be intense and full of pressure.
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