Arsenal 2
Man Utd 3
The Citeh result gave us belief and bragging rights, but matches like this are where you really try to find out whether Manchester United are actually turning a corner or simply enjoying another false dawn. As a supporter who has been burned too many times, I celebrated the win — but with my guard still firmly up.
This was Michael Carrick’s second match in charge, and while it is far too early to draw sweeping conclusions, there were encouraging signs. United looked sharper, more organised, and crucially, more purposeful in possession. The intensity we showed against City was not a one-off. From the opening exchanges, there was a sense that the players understood their roles better, pressed with more cohesion, and played with a freedom that has been missing for much of the season.
After going behind to what felt like a somewhat fluke goal, we were handed a lifeline when Arsenal gave the ball away in defence. Mbeumo pounced and made no mistake. At 1–1, we were firmly back in the match. You could sense that, for the second week running, we were up for it. The players were not intimidated by the Emirates atmosphere or by the Arsenal side in front of them.
When Dorgu scored what will probably be the goal of his career, the MUSC Malta club erupted. United were leading at the Emirates — and deservedly so. Arsenal inevitably piled on the pressure, and while it felt inevitable that we would be tested, this team showed belief and I thought we would hold on. When Arsenal equalised from a corner — yet another goal scored from a set piece — it was deflating. We had handled those situations reasonably well for most of the match, yet still found ourselves pegged back.
And then came the magic. Cunha picked up the ball outside the box, drove forward, and curled a stunning effort into the right-hand corner. A genuine worldie, and a worthy match-winner for a rare away victory against Arsenal. Long overdue. The home supporters were left stunned. Final whistle finally came and we celebrated. The club was buzzing.
After the match, Carrick’s comments were measured, which felt reassuring in itself. He praised individual performances but repeatedly stressed collective effort, highlighting the midfield’s work rate, the back line’s discipline, and the composure shown in decisive moments.
As supporters, it’s impossible not to feel a flicker of excitement. Two strong results, a visible lift in performance levels, and a squad that suddenly believes again are hard to ignore. But caution remains essential. Consistency has been our biggest weakness over thee past decade or so.
Still, for now, it’s fair to enjoy this. A win over Arsenal, preceded by a derby triumph, gives us something we haven’t had in months: hope — cautious, guarded hope, but hope nonetheless…Numquam Moribimur.