United Beyond Manchester

In his first two matches, Michael Carrick has led Manchester United to wins over Manchester City at Old Trafford and Arsenal at the Emirates. In both victories, the interim head coach has selected his teams well and gotten the most out of his players. Below, we look at who stood out in the win over the league leaders.

Starting Eleven

Senne Lammens: 7 – Lammens made an excellent reactionary save in a precarious position from a set-piece header in the first half and got low to make an important save on Bukayo Saka in the second half. He was only unable to get to one aerial ball, which led to Arsenal’s second, but he dominated his box otherwise.

Diogo Dalot: 6 – Despite all of the action in the match, Dalot stayed quiet both in attack and defense. He only touched the ball 24 times, but also did not make a mistake.

Harry Maguire: 7 – Oh, how Maguire was missed while injured. The experienced man at the back won all of his duels, cleared nine times, and blocked a shot. If he stays healthy, the Reds have a real shot at returning to the Champions League next season.

Lisandro Martinez: 6 – The own goal to give Arsenal a first-half lead was not Martinez’s finest moment, but he was solid after. He blocked two shots and won a tackle while bringing some of the “butcher” swagger back to his play.

Luke Shaw: 6 – Shaw provides defensive stability at left-back. Despite a couple of moments where Saka beat him, Shaw marshalled the Arsenal danger-man very well throughout the match.

Casemiro: 7 – Casemiro won’t be a Manchester United player next season, but while United still have him, he will be an important player. The Brazilian was committed to Carrick’s plan and played well against the Gunners’ strong midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7 – Mainoo, as he has been throughout his young career, was a calming presence on the ball in the midfield. He belongs in the first team at Manchester United, and Carrick has given him another chance. Cunha’s late winner also provided Mainoo with his first goal contribution of the season.

Patrick Dorgu: 9 – In the past six matches, Dorgu has gone from never scoring for United to scoring world-class goals at the Emirates. His strike was stunning to say the least and completely silenced the home crowd. If he continues to play like this, he will never return to left back.

Bruno Fernandes: 7 – After a rather quiet first half, Bruno grew into the game, eventually getting credit for an assist on Dorgu’s volley. He connected very nicely in the midfield with Kobbie Mainoo, which will be important in the final few months of the season.

Amad Diallo: 7 – Amad’s name can’t be found on the scoresheet, but he consistently drove United forward and forced Arsenal’s defense to respect the right side of the attack. He was greatly missed while with his nation at AFCON.

Bryan Mbeumo: 8 – Mbeumo took a gift from Arsenal and coolly rounded David Raya to level the match in the first half. His finish gave United life and turned the match on its head after a slow start.

Substitutions

Matheus Cunha: 8 – Cunha came off the bench and produced a moment of magic. His strike immediately offset Arsenal’s equalizer and earned United three points.

Benjamin Sesko: NR

Noussair Mazraoui: NR

Man of the Match: Patrick Dorgu