WHY MICHAEL CARRICK’S 4-2-3-1 IS THE PERFECT FOIL FOR ARTETA’S TACTICAL SYSTEM
Fresh from a 2-0 Derby win, Michael Carrick leads Manchester United to the Emirates. Can they stop the league leaders on Sunday?
Manchester United head to the Emirates on Sunday to face Premier League leaders Arsenal. It’s a big one—everyone’s been waiting for this.
United just brought in Michael Carrick as interim manager, and honestly, he couldn’t have asked for a better start. Against Manchester City, the team looked sharp. They didn’t just win 2-0; they made City look ordinary and probably should’ve scored even more.
That win put United just a point behind fourth-placed Liverpool, so a lot is riding on this trip to Arsenal. But here’s the thing—United hasn’t managed a league win at the Emirates since 2017. Back then, David de Gea put on a show in goal and helped them to a 3-1 win. Feels like ages ago.
So, what can Carrick take from the last meeting with Arsenal at Old Trafford in August, where United lost 1-0? Let’s break it down.
First up: set pieces have been both a blessing and a curse. United know how to score from them, but against Arsenal, they’ve also been a real problem. Back in December, Arsenal scored twice from corners in a 2-0 win at the Emirates. And in August, they did it again. United’s keeper Altay Bayindir didn’t really command his box, and Riccardo Calafiori had a free header at the back post. Maybe there was a foul in there, but honestly, Bayindir should’ve handled it better.
This weekend, United needs to stay sharp on set pieces. Defending as a group matters here—maybe keep three players near the centre circle to drag some Arsenal players out of the box. Senne Lammens has to be ready to come out and claim the ball when needed.
Now, let’s talk counterattacks. Arsenal’s defence is solid—they’ve only let in 14 goals in 22 league games—but they do leave space at the back, especially when they push up. United’s direct style gave the Gunners trouble in the last game, even if they couldn’t score. Carrick shouldn’t change much here. That opening goal against City last week came from a classic United break, starting with Harry Maguire winning a header. They’ll get chances like that against Arsenal, who like to play with a high line.
Set-piece rebounds could open things up, too. Marcus Rashford has punished Arsenal in the past this way, and players like Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, or Bruno Fernandes will be looking to do the same this time.
Finally, the high press. Arsenal love to control the game at home—they keep the ball and try to wear teams down. But against City, United showed they can press in short bursts and force mistakes. In August, United actually had 61% possession at Old Trafford. That probably won’t happen at the Emirates, but pressing high, especially up front, could unsettle the Gunners, since Arteta wants his team to play out from the back.
Recent league games back this up. Bournemouth scored after Gabriel Magalhaes gave the ball away. Liverpool almost did the same when David Raya and William Saliba got their wires crossed—Conor Bradley just hit the post. If United times their press right, they can make Arsenal’s backline nervous.
So, Carrick and his team have a real shot here. But they’ll need to be switched on at set pieces, ruthless on the break, and brave with the press if they want to finally end that Emirates drought.
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”