Danny Murphy hails ‘phenomenal’ Man United star for what he did vs Arsenal: ‘One of the best in Europe’
Michael Carrick notched another impressive result in the early stages of his Manchester United reign as they won 3-2 away at Arsenal on Sunday.
The Red Devils fell behind after 29 minutes through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, but they fought their way back into the game and eventually won it in the dying stages as Matheus Cunha netted a stunner from distance.
Carrick has now won both of his opening two games at Manchester United, who became the first side to beat Arsenal at home since Bournemouth in May 2025.
Their victory at the Emirates saw them retain their current spot inside the Champions League places, despite Chelsea also notching a comfortable victory away at Crystal Palace.
MOTD lavish praise on Bruno Fernandes
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that United should put off any talk about Fernandes’ future during the mid-season window, amid suggestions that he could be sold at the end of the season.
The Portuguese can be a controversial figure across the Premier League at times, but he was typically influential for his team during their victory in North London on Sunday afternoon.
Fernandes set up Patrick Dorgu’s screamer with a neat give-and-go outside the box, and also created two chances during the game.
The 31-year-old played seven passes into the final third during the 90 minutes, and the quality of his display wasn’t lost on Danny Murphy during his analysis of the game on Match of the Day.
“He (Fernandes) is a phenomenal player,” the former Liverpool midfielder said.
“He is brilliant wherever he plays technically. In this role in the last two games he’s back as a 10, and he’s got the pictures and the awareness to know where players are.
“He’s always moving and trying to make space. He’s brave with the ball, and I think he’s one of the best in Europe at making chances with his passing.
“He doesn’t care about making mistakes. He’s come back from an injury recently and he’s just hit the ground running again.”
Michael Carrick could single-handedly keep Fernandes at Man United
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that he expects Fernandes to be unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s recent sacking, given the link that he had with his countryman.
Wyness suggested that the attacking midfielder may now look more favourably towards the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, when his contract at Old Trafford moves into its final year.
However, Carrick has the power to instil a determination in the star to stick with the Red Devils and remain central to their plans.
The interim boss already appears to have Fernandes enjoying his football once again, and that can be a pivotal factor in the form of creative players who rely on their confidence to make things happen.
If Carrick can create a positive environment that allows Fernandes to flourish between now and the end of the season, then it may just be enough to turn his head back towards United once again.