Michael Carrick’s record against the ‘Big Six’ this season

Manchester United’s decision to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager in January has ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.

The Red Devils have won ten and drawn three of their 15 league games since Carrick took charge to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Intriguingly, five of those victories were against so-called ‘Big Six’ teams. Read on as we take a closer look at how United fared in those games.

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City – January 17

According to Soccerballworld, United were the underdogs to defeat City at Old Trafford but upset the odds to secure a well-deserved 2-0 victory.

Carrick ripped up former manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical system and implemented a more favourable 4-2-3-1 set-up.

The move worked a treat as goals by Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu helped Carrick mark his homecoming with an impressive victory over their rivals.

His decision to restore Bruno Fernandes to his favoured number ten role paid immediate dividends and proved to be the catalyst for United to start climbing the table.

Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United – January 25

United demonstrated that the victory over City was no fluke by claiming a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Arsenal the following weekend.

The Red Devils showed plenty of character at the Emirates Stadium, battling back from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead early in the second half.

Mikel Merino’s goal six minutes from time appeared to have secured a point for Arsenal, but Matheus Cunha had other ideas.

He fired a superb long-range strike into the bottom corner to seal a victory which moved United into fourth place in the standings.

Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur – February 7     

Tottenham’s continued membership of the ‘Big Six’ looks increasingly ridiculous given how poorly they have performed over the past couple of seasons.

United’s 2-0 victory over Spurs in early February was helped in no small part by Cristian Romero, whose first-half dismissal highlighted why many people think he is a liability.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was the star of the show for the home side, making a mockery of Amorim’s decision to leave him on the sidelines when he was in charge.

Amorim never won four games in a row as United manager, but Carrick managed it in the space of four games – three of them against ‘Big Six’ teams.

Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United  – April 18

United rode their luck a little at Chelsea in April, but their makeshift defence held firm to secure another invaluable victory under Carrick.

The Blues hit the woodwork on three occasions, but were ultimately undone as Cunha’s first-time strike off Fernandes’ cutback settled the game.

This was only United’s second league win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and strengthened Carrick’s case to be handed the managerial role permanently.

He subsequently boosted his claims even further as the Red Devils recorded a truly memorable victory over their biggest rivals at the start of May.

Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool – May 3

After spending the last few years gloating at United’s demise, Liverpool fans have been handed a reality check this season.

United triumphed at Anfield earlier in the season and followed up by completing the double in a five-goal thriller at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s side roared into a two-goal lead before being pegged back by the visitors in the second half. However, Mainoo’s late winner sent the home fans wild.

Five victories in five games against ‘Big Six’ clubs is a noteworthy achievement and may be enough to persuade the board to appoint Carrick permanently.