Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira thinks one Manchester United star is benefiting from Michael Carrick’s tactics more than the likes of Bryan Mbeumo after Sunday’s result.
Patrick Vieira watched on during his punditry duties for Sky Sports as former side Arsenal lost to Manchester United in a stunning 3-2 upset at the Emirates.
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Michael Carrick has now chalked up massive back-to-back Premier League wins over league leaders Arsenal and second-place Manchester City since his reign started.
Bryan Mbeumo started his second consecutive Red Devils match as the lone forward under Carrick’s tactics and the 26-year-old summer signing deeply impressed again.
The former Brentford ace pulled Man Utd level against Arsenal ahead of half-time after Mbeumo capitalised on a major error from Gunners star Martin Zubimendi.
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Patrick Vieira’s verdict on Man Utd’s performance against Arsenal after Bryan Mbeumo’s stunning impact
Following Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half equaliser, Manchester United took the lead over Arsenal in the first five minutes of the second half thanks to defender Patrick Dorgu.
Mikel Merino cancelled out Patrick Dorgu’s stunning effort late in the second half and Arsenal appeared to have snatched the all-important equaliser needed for a point.
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WHAT A WIN!
However, Matheus Cunha replaced Bryan Mbeumo in the second half and the 26-year-old Brazilian ace scored the winner for United in Sunday evening’s result.
Patrick Vieira felt that Michael Carrick and Co finally “answered” the major questions around them after Man Utd’s 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford last week.
“There were still big questions after City,” he said on Sky Sports.
“They answered them so well. They are back on track. There’s still a long way to go. Wins against City and Arsenal is so good for confidence.”
Bryan Mbeumo impressed against Arsenal, but Patrick Vieira’s attention was on Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes continued to play in the No 10 role behind Mbeumo for the second consecutive Premier League match under interim Red Devils head coach Carrick.
The 31-year-old Man Utd captain’s displays against Man City and Arsenal have led to a powerful assessment from former Arsenal midfielder Vieira on Bruno Fernandes.
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“The system allowed them to express themselves,” Vieira continued.
“I think the 4-2-3-1 allowed Fernandes to be a little bit more free on the pitch, create situations, score goals.
“You can see the pictures – the smile is back on the face of the United players.”
Fernandes had been deployed in a deeper midfield role under Ruben Amorim in the 2025-26 campaign before the former United manager was sacked earlier this month.
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