United Secure 3‑2 Comeback Over Fulham, Climb to Fourth Under Carrick
Updated (3 articles)
Carrick’s Interim Run Matches Historic United Starts Carrick’s five‑match spell has yielded four victories, including a third straight league win—the first such streak in 36 games under former boss Ruben Amorim. The run ties the early‑career records of Sir Matt Busby (1946) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2019) for wins in a manager’s first five United games[1][2]. United collected six points from wins over Manchester City and Arsenal before the Fulham match, doubling the points earned in the three games preceding his appointment[2].
Back‑Four Formation Revives Young Talent and Balance Carrick abandoned Amorim’s 3‑4‑3 system, reinstating a back‑four that freed midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to contribute defensively and creatively[1][2]. He also promoted captain Bruno Fernandes further forward and gave left‑side attacker Patrick Dorgu a starting role, where Dorgu has already netted twice in Carrick’s tenure[2]. The tactical shift is credited with improving team balance and unlocking space for the younger players[1].
Late‑Goal Heroics Secure Wins Over Fulham and Arsenal On 1 February, Benjamin Sesko scored in injury time to complete a 3‑2 comeback victory over Fulham, sealing United’s dramatic turnaround[1]. A week earlier, at the Emirates Stadium, Matheus Cunha delivered an 87th‑minute winner to give United a 3‑2 win—their first triumph at Arsenal since 2018[2]. Both matches featured United overturning deficits, underscoring Carrick’s effective in‑game adjustments[1][2].
United Rise to Fourth, Near Champions League Spot The Fulham win lifted United to fourth place in the Premier League, creating a five‑point cushion over seventh‑placed Brentford and reviving hopes of Champions League qualification[1]. This position reflects a significant improvement from the club’s near‑miss of European spots the previous season[1].
Carrick Declines to Confirm Permanent Ambitions Amid Praise Carrick has not disclosed any intention to seek the permanent managerial role, stressing his focus on the interim position[2]. Former United midfielder Micah Richards and club legend Wayne Rooney praised the early impact, describing the atmosphere as “different” and a “complete change”[2]. Carrick’s two children attended the Arsenal match, highlighting his personal connection to the recent successes[2].
Sources
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1.
BBC: United rally to beat Fulham, cementing Carrick’s early managerial surge: details the 3‑2 comeback win, tactical shift to a back‑four, league climb to fourth, and Carrick’s historic start, emphasizing his early impact.
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2.
BBC: Carrick’s United start fuels talk of permanent manager role: focuses on the earlier Arsenal victory, formation changes, player selections, Carrick’s silence on a permanent job, and praise from former players, providing context for his interim tenure.
Timeline
Jan 16, 2026 – Michael Carrick tells reporters he ignores former‑players’ remarks, saying “the noise doesn’t affect me” and that United’s culture and on‑pitch performance matter most as the club heads into the Manchester derby while sitting seventh in the league; he notes his number 16 shirt came from Tottenham, ownership is present at a board meeting at Carrington, Rio Ferdinand defends Sir Alex Ferguson’s lingering influence, and Roy Keane criticises the staff appointments around Carrick[3].
Jan 25, 2026 – Carrick declines to confirm any permanent‑manager ambitions and focuses on his interim role as United secure a 3‑2 win at the Emirates, their first triumph at Arsenal since 2018, with Matheus Cunha scoring an 87th‑minute winner while Carrick’s two children cheer from the away section; United collect six points from victories over City and Arsenal, he reverts to a back‑four, promotes Kobbie Mainoo, pushes captain Bruno Fernandes forward, and Patrick Dorgu thrives on the left, earning praise from former players Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney[2].
Feb 1, 2026 – Benjamin Sesko nets a stoppage‑time winner as United rally 3‑2 against Fulham, and Carrick calls the triumph “the best feeling,” delivering United’s third straight league win—the first three‑in‑a‑row under Amorim in 36 games; with four wins in his first five matches, Carrick joins Sir Matt Busby (1946) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2019) in United history, the switch to a back‑four unlocks Kobbie Mainoo’s impact, and the victory lifts United to fourth place, putting them within striking distance of Champions League qualification[1].