The latest edition of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast has dropped on BBC Sounds.
Gaz Drinkwater, Joe McGrath and Tom Cooney discuss Manchester United's impressive Premier League win over Arsenal and what to do about Michael Carrick's future.
Listen to the full episode here
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester United.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Tim: We should have had the game wrapped up after 30 minutes. A mistake from Martin Zubimendi (who has been brilliant this year) to gift a goal out of nowhere. A blip but one I am sure we will bounce back from and go on to greater things this season.
Craig: Arsenal looked scared and too cautious, trying to avoid losing rather than trying to win. Biggest issue was up front without Viktor Gyokeres. United defenders had no real threat to mark allowing them to press further up the pitch. Arsenal need to take this on the chin and put it behind them for next week.
Nigel: Every game there is no plan B or plan C. Arteta for all his genius is actually getting caught out, easily. United knew what we would do and mugged us off. Arteta has to win something this season or go. He's has no excuses.
Deep: Fair play to United. It's typical arsenal, crumbling once again. It's the hope that kills you.
United fans
Barry: The real test of the United players mentality comes in the next few weeks against the so-called lower teams. We've had these false dawns before.
John: I really do not want to get carried away but Michael Carrick is one shrewd and cool man in charge. Manages like he used to play. Early days yes but he is not to be underestimated.
Chris: Fantastic now we are beginning to see what United can do, Carrick is doing a great job.
Gem: Absolutely wonderful to finally see Saint Michael Carrick galvanise the group. Great goals but wish Bruno would concentrate on leading rather then whinging in the first 25 minutes. Cunha brilliant finish, come on you Reds.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United fans have a warm feeling washing over them after Michael Carrick's arrival brought with it two stunningly eye-catching wins.
Further down this page you'll find praise from the likes of Danny Murphy, Wayne Rooney and BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone.
But Carrick's start - packed with chances, attacking endeavour and what some point out is 'Manchester United DNA' - is just a start.
When Carrick left Middlesbrough in June, BBC Radio Tees' Boro commentator Mark Drury said his dismissal was far from "knee-jerk". Indeed, a body of evidence regarding his shortcomings had been built.
"His dismissal was a sign that despite how much everyone at Middlesbrough might have wanted it to work for Carrick, after nearly three years in charge he was judged to be more of the problem than the solution to their promotion woes," said Drury.
Middlesbrough supporter Dana Malt also served BBC Sport a warning when Carrick took over at Old Trafford. Her view was the patchy form Boro showed pointed to "a rookie head coach learning on the job".
Malt explained Carrick's side slipped from a position of early promise across his almost three seasons in charge. There were huge plus points, with Malt saying a 3-2-5 formation when attacking "resulted in the best football I have seen a Middlesbrough team play", only for a slack defensive discipline to prove a negative feature that is hard to overcome.
"Boro had never been anywhere near watertight defensively under Carrick, but 2024-25 took the biscuit," she said. "We conceded comedic goals that the Benny Hill theme music would be a perfect match to. That was only one problem. Injuries struck again and, from January, Boro became a chore to watch. Ineffective, boring and one-dimensional. Carrick did not have the answers. He took us from fourth to eighth to 10th. He took us from the best football I had seen to arguably the most infuriating. I wanted him to turn it around, but he could not."
The early joy Carrick has delivered at Manchester United since taking caretaker charge has clearly been on display in his work previously. The issue has been maintaining early standards, upholding a style of play over a prolonged spell and - as is so often the way - having your best players available to execute what's being asked.
"At Middlesbrough, Carrick was reluctant to change his 4-2-3-1 system, looking to dominate the game through high possession," says BBC Sport football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan.
"When Middlesbrough had solid possession in the middle of the pitch, they would move into a 3-2-5 shape.
"Criticism of Ruben Amorim was heavily based on his 3-2-4-1 shape so it is interesting that Carrick likes his teams to attack in a similar way. No team in the Championship scored more goals in the league during Carrick's time as manager using these tactics. They dominated possession most games and their approach was measured as they looked to unpick teams.
"Although they favoured possession, when the opportunity to pass the ball more directly opened up, players were encouraged to play at speed. They scored often from fast breaks but this was mainly after the opposition turned the ball over in dangerous areas.
"Player quality and outgoing transfers meant these moments became less frequent in Carrick's final season.
"The main critique was that they became too slow and predictable on the ball. That and the space they would leave defensively, if they attacked or pressed too aggressively.
"With better player quality, the hope is that United can build upon Carrick's clear shape with players who can exploit spaces that open up. The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo's ability to speed up play can be valuable here."
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Carrick has delivered clear messaging to his Manchester United players over the past fortnight which has allowed them to get momentous victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Carrick has enjoyed the perfect start to his time in charge of United.
After spurning a succession of opportunities over the course of the season to climb into the top four, United have now managed it from the unlikeliest fixture programmes.
According to goalkeeper Senne Lammens, there is no magic technique to what Carrick has implemented.
He just has just been clear in explaining what he wants.
"I've got to be honest, there's not many special things he did," said Lammens. "It's just sticking to the basics.
"We have players with the quality that can make a difference, but you just have to do the basics right; to make sure technically we're standing right, defending well together and just [playing] as a team.
"He made it really clear what he wants from us and what he expects from us. Against Arsenal, on the pitch sometimes it didn't really come out, but if you fight as a team and keep believing in it, then you can still get the win."
People will naturally compare this United performance to what we saw from the same players under Ruben Amorim at the end of his time in charge, and it felt like we were watching a different team.
There is an element of motivation and communication from Michael Carrick that will have helped his players, of course, but the key for me was that they all looked really comfortable with the way the team was set up.
As I explained on Match of the Day, they look happier - their body language is good and they all want the ball - they all trust each other with the ball too, and there is visibly much more confidence.
I can understand why. It sounds quite simplistic but something that is not always talked about as much as it should be after a display and result like this, is the difference it makes when you put players in a formation that suits them, which they understand.
Here it was a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 shape with Bruno Fernandes as a 10 behind Bryan Mbeumo. Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu were both willing to get back, because they have played as wing-backs and have done that defensive role before.
That meant United were sometimes a back six when they had to be - but even then Diallo and Dorgu still knew they were wingers when their team had the ball.
Everyone knew their jobs, with Fernandes dropping in and helping Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, who were screening the back four nicely.
On a basic level, United's shape and what their players were asked to do, meant they defended in numbers and then, when they got the chance - bang, they flew forward. With the pace they've got, they were so dangerous.
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesThe defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is probably the best in European football and they are the foundations of Arsenal's title bid.
That just emphasises the job that Manchester United have done. To go away from home and score three against the meanest defence in European football is no small feat.
What a start Michael Carrick has had to his interim tenure. To have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal in two weekends is fairytale stuff for him.
Not to belittle Ruben Amorim's tactical approach, but what Carrick has done so far is not rocket science. It has been putting square pegs in square holes.
It's playing a system that the players are comfortable with. Throughout Amorim's time you never really got the sense that the players were comfortable in that system.
The first thing Carrick has done is switch to the 4-2-3-1 he played at Middlesbrough and is the heart and philosophy of what a Manchester United side should be traditionally.
They've had a brilliant start and the players have taken to his approach like a duck to water so far so fair play to him.
The fans can get excited. I understand the outlook of keeping things grounded and it has only been two games, but they are two games against your local rivals and the Champions elect.
You have come out of that with six points. If you can't get elated about that then we might as well call it a day. It has been a brilliant seven days for United and Carrick.
They have got a foundation to build on now.
Listen to the full episode of Football Daily on BBC Sounds
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Carrick (centre) went to watch Manchester United's Under-21 side with coaches Jonathan Woodgate (left) and Steve Holland (wearing cap) at Leigh last week
Wayne Rooney has backed Michael Carrick's decision to watch two academy games in his first fortnight in charge of Manchester United and says the move will have a big impact on the club's young players and their parents.
In addition to masterminding Premier League victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, Carrick and his coaching team went to Leigh on Tuesday to watch United's Under 21 side.
Then, on Friday, Carrick sat with Rooney in the directors' box as his son Kai Rooney came off the bench to help United move into the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup by beating Derby.
Although he did see an academy game on a training pitch at Carrington, Ruben Amorim was never spotted watching the club's young players in person at a stadium.
"It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy," Rooney told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"In the next few years some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team so it is important they have that interest.
"On Saturday, they were all at the Under-16 game as well before they travelled to London.
"It is great to see that coming back into the club.
"I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years.
"With my two lads in the academy, I haven't seen that and it was a bit disappointing.
"The lift it gives to the players, and the players' parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run."
Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking Rennes' 18-year-old French striker Mohamed Kader Meite. (Caughtoffside), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's transfer business has largely been poor since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and it will be some time yet before they can feel they are on top of it.
But after just 19 appearances, it is already fair to declare Bryan Mbeumo a success.
United made three bids for the Cameroon forward in the summer, so keen were they to prize him from Brentford.
In the end, they paid £65m, attracted by the 20 Premier League goals he scored last season.
Now he is up to eight in the league for this season, calmly rounding David Raya to finish when Martin Zubimendi presented him with the chance to equalise against Arsenal.
But he does not just do simple things well. He is also capable of moments of inspiration, which is what he came close to when he met Bruno Fernandes' lofted pass with a first-time lob towards the Arsenal goal that had Raya worried for a moment.
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory at Arsenal: "It was a good day. I think we had to put a lot into that game, an awful lot. Credit to the boys, so proud of them. We had to sustain some attacks, especially earlier on and we grew into the game.
"We had a setback, come back strong, had a setback towards the end, come back strong. So many elements to the game that were good. We're so fresh whether it's 10 days in, two games, it's never going to be perfect at this stage, especially coming against a team like Arsenal, but there were so many positives to take and we'll keep adding to it in days and weeks to come.
"The boys have been fantastic in terms of taking things on, wanting to do it and investing into it. You can see what it means to them at the end. Really proud of them today, it's obvious to say but it's a tough place to come. Especially with the way the game flowed we stick at it and fantastic feeling at the end."
On how good Matheus Cunha's goal was: "To be fair they both were; Patrick's [Dorgu] was an unbelievable strike and Matheus, to come in and as soon as he got it out of his feet I fancied it and it was a fantastic finish. It was a big moment."
On how he's instilled belief in this team: "I think in the messages we're giving them and how we behave. I've got belief in them and I try and show that. It's not so much the words, it's easy for me to tell the players something, or the boys to speak about a game, but to have the feeling to really put it in.
"You've got to feel that confidence and that belief through and they've definitely got that and we need to keep that."
On whether he's thinking about the job: "Nothing's changed. I've been here less than two weeks and I'm desperate to do well and improve the team and finish as high as we can. Having days like this and last week is something you get greedy for and we want to keep building on this for weeks to come."
Defender Harry Maguire spoke to Sky Sports: "It was absolutely massive. We know that the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you're always up for them and you know that one-off results can happen, so we had to back it up today.
"We spoke about it before the game, coming to the league leaders, who have been excellent this year I must say, they ask a lot of questions of you, to come here and have the setback late on to get the winner, it was a magnificent performance.
"Michael's [Carrick] come in, he's been brilliant with us, he's brought a fresh energy in, the group's really galvanised. Two tough games, everybody's probably thinks we come away from them with not many points but to win both is magnificent.
"We've got a much bigger squad now we've got the lads back from Afcon and got players like Matheus [Cunha] coming off the bench who I'm sure he's not too happy sat on the bench the last few games. I know what he's like, he wants to play, but he's made the difference in the two games.
"He's come on against City and changed the game, and today again he's made the difference for us. It just shows the squad of players and the attacking players that can come on and do that."
Did you know?
This was Manchester United's first comeback victory away to Arsenal in the Premier League since February 2005 (a 4-2 victory); they had trailed on 12 occasions away to the Gunners in the period since then, losing 11 of them (D1).
Bruno Fernandes is the first United player since Wayne Rooney (2012-13 and 2013-14) to make 10+ assists in consecutive Premier League seasons (10 in 2024-25, 10 in 2025-26).
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Arsenal's performance
What did you make of Manchester United's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Mikel Arteta makes four changes to the Arsenal side that beat Inter Milan in midweek.
Gabriel Jesus starts up top after his two goals at the San Siro and Piero Hincapie comes in at left-back for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Merino, Gyokeres.
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick sticks with the same team that beat Manchester City in his first match in charge last weekend.
The only change is on the bench, where Noussair Mazraoui returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty and displaces teenager Jack Fletcher.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo.
Subs: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Mount, Cunha, Malacia, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven, Sesko.
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Manchester United were brilliant under Michael Carrick in the Manchester derby. They totally deserved their win.
Carrick has talked about finding some consistency to back up that performance and result but, even if they play well again here, it's a huge ask for them to go to the Emirates and get something.
Arsenal dropped points against Nottingham Forest last time out in the Premier League but it still turned out to be a good weekend for them.
I don't see Mikel Arteta's side slipping up this time. It will be fascinating to see if the 'Carrick effect' can last but even when Arsenal make changes I always think they will get the job done.
Carrick had a plan for playing against City and it worked. He might have an idea about stopping Arsenal in open play too, but then United will still have their set-pieces to deal with.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Read the full predictions and have your say here
You can listen to full commentary of Arsenal v Man Utd on BBC Radio 5 Live
