Michael Carrick got the better of Pep Guardiola and now he will come head-to-head with Mikel Arteta this weekend.
Across his two spells as an interim head coach, Michael Carrick has beaten world-class managers in his four games in charge.
The 2-0 win over Manchester City has inspired confidence in the United fanbase ahead of facing Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
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Carrick beat Arteta’s Arsenal 3-2 back in 2021, but both teams are now unrecognisable from that clash.
Ahead of the trip to North London, Carrick has an ace up his sleeve in the shape of Ayden Heaven.
Ayden Heaven can play key role in beating Arsenal
Last January, United poached Heaven from Arsenal for just a £1 million fee.
United promised the young defender a pathway to the first team, and Heaven made his debut against Arsenal just weeks after completing his move.
The 19-year-old has been a revelation since making the move to Manchester, and he has made nine consecutive appearances in the Premier League heading into the Arsenal clash.
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This was the line-up Michael Carrick used to defeat Arsenal in his spell as interim manager
Considering that Heaven trained with Arsenal’s first team under Arteta, his knowledge of Sunday’s opposition could be vital for Carrick and his backroom staff.
After Heaven made his debut against Arsenal, he spoke about having played with the Gunners stars just weeks before. “It was surreal,” Heaven said. “I was only with them like five weeks prior, and then to be playing against them on my Premier League debut was crazy.”
Ayden Heaven was brilliant against Arsenal last season
The centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez was flawless against Manchester City, but Heaven will be giving Carrick a selection headache ahead of facing Arsenal.
Last season, Heaven was incredible against Arsenal as United drew 1-1 with the Gunners.
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One option for Carrick is to start Heaven on the left side of United’s defence ahead of Luke Shaw. He would add a much-needed physical presence against one of the best set-piece sides in the league.
But even if Heaven doesn’t make his way into the starting XI on Sunday, his inside knowledge of Arsenal and their setup under Arteta could prove to be priceless.
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