Manchester United's stand-in manager Michael Carrick could not have wished for a better start to his second stint in the position as he led an inspiring United outfit to a first Premier League win at Arsenal since 2017, bringing them ever closer to a top four finish.
Sunday's win followed last weekend's 2-0 hammering of heavy-spenders Manchester City and was the Gunners first home defeat of the season in all competitions.
Former midfielder Carrick answered United's call in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sacking this month and his time in charge has seen a change in the fortune and mentality of the Red Devils and he says his team must ride the wave of confidence that has swept away the Old Trafford gloom.
"We've got to ride it and use the emotion, you have got to use the energy and use the confidence," Carrick, whose team moved up to fourth in the table, said.
"You've got to be humble enough to understand how we could just achieve these two big results. It doesn't just come easy, so we need to continue that and bottle it and use it again."
United had to dig deep on Sunday to ensure the leaders remain winless in their last three league games after Arsenal took an early lead. But Bryan Mbeumo was gifted an equaliser and stunning goals by Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha in the second half sealed all three points for the visitors.
"The goals were fantastic goals and some of the football was good, and we looked dangerous at certain times," Carrick, who won multiple league titles in United's midfield, said.
"Other times we had to defend, but it was just a performance with a bit of everything, really."
Carrick was also unbeaten in his three-game stint as caretaker manager in 2021, including a 3-2 win against Arsenal before handing over the reins to Ralf Rangnick.
With Carrick placed in charge until the end of the season this time, he has the chance to stake his claim for the role on a permanent basis and his stock has risen rapidly.
"What happens next I'm not going to be answering it every week. I'm enjoying it and I'll continue to do what I can," the 44-year-old said when asked about his ambition.
"I know from our perspective it's just about moving forward to the next game. It's been less than two weeks that we've been together, so it's just keep getting good habits and good routines. The boys have been fantastic with that.
"But I don't think we can look too far ahead. We'll finish where we finish by getting the results."
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