/sky247-nigeria/media/member_avatars/logo.png){kind=logo}
/sky247-nigeria/media/media_files/2026/01/26/1000000083-2026-01-26-21-40-23.jpg)
London, January 26, 2026. Some wins earn you three points; others earn you a seat at the title table. Yesterday at the Emirates Stadium, we witnessed the latter. In a match that swung from heartbreak to pure delirium, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United proved they are no longer a "sleeping giant." By edges out Arsenal 3-2, the Red Devils have officially sent a warning shot across the entire Premier League.
Match Timeline: Five Goals That Shook the League
It was a tactical chess match played at 100mph. Arsenal, the current league leaders, looked to dominate early, but United’s resilience was the story of the afternoon.
29' - Lisandro Martínez OG (1-0): Absolute heartbreak for "The Butcher." A wicked cross from Bukayo Saka deflected off the Argentine, leaving goalkeeper Lammens stranded. The Emirates was bouncing, but United didn't blink.
37' - Bryan Mbeumo (1-1): This is why United broke the bank for him. After a brilliant recovery by Kobbie Mainoo, Mbeumo showed ice-cold composure to slot it past David Raya. Level pegging.
50' - Patrick Dorgu (1-2): Right after the break, United hit the turbo. Dorgu, having a breakout season on the left flank, exploited a Ben White lapse to fire United into the lead.
84' - Mikel Merino (2-2): Just when it looked like the points were heading back to Manchester, Merino rose highest from a Saka corner to thunder home a header. The stadium erupted, and Arsenal sensed a late comeback.
87' - Matheus Cunha (2-3): The jewel in the crown. Only three minutes after the equalizer, Matheus Cunha unleashed a rocket from outside the box that nestled into the top corner. A genuine "stunner" that silenced the North London crowd and sparked wild celebrations on the United bench.
Tactical Breakdown: How Carrick Outsmarted Arteta
This wasn't a lucky win. Carrick’s blueprint was surgically precise: a mid-block defensive screen and lightning-fast transitions. Starting Casemiro to anchor the midfield allowed Bruno Fernandes the freedom to pick out Mbeumo and Cunha at will. United played vertically, recording a 78% success rate on long balls that bypassed Arsenal’s high press entirely.
"This group believes in the process. Winning here after our Derby victory proves we are on the right path," a beaming Michael Carrick said post-match.
Next Stop: Fulham at Old Trafford (February 1, 2026)
With morale at an all-time high, United return to the Theater of Dreams this Sunday to host Fulham. While the Cottagers are a disciplined side sitting comfortably in the top half, United are expected to keep the momentum rolling.
Strategy Preview: "Carrick-Ball" at Home
For the Fulham clash, we expect a slight evolution of the 4-2-3-1 system:
Squad Rotation: Given the intensity of the Arsenal game, Leny Yoro is tipped to return to the starting XI to give Harry Maguire a well-earned rest.
Wing Dominance: Fulham often struggle against overlapping full-backs. Look for Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu to play almost as wingers, providing service for Benjamin Šeško, who might start ahead of Cunha to provide more aerial presence.
Dictating Play: Unlike the counter-attacking approach used in London, United will look to dominate possession at home, relying on Mainoo’s ball retention to break down Fulham’s low block.
Prediction: United are in the "flow state." If the defense remains as disciplined as it was yesterday, the three points should stay in Manchester.
Sky247 NG: Bet of the Day
Ready to turn your football knowledge into profit? Check out our top pick for the upcoming match:
Match: Manchester United vs Fulham (01/02/2026) Market: Manchester United to Win & Over 2.5 Goals. Estimated Odds: 2.15 Verdict: United have bagged 5 goals in their last two outings against "Big Six" opposition. Back at Old Trafford, the attacking trio of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Šeško should have too much firepower for the Fulham backline.