Michael Carrick has been granted a stay of execution but will the beleaguered Manchester United manager survive a vital trip to Chelsea? Arsenal face a significant test of their Premier League title defence at Liverpool, while Manchester City meet Brighton for the second time in four days. AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend’s action:
Humiliated by one of the most chastening defeats in their club’s glittering history, Arsenal have a chance to erase the embarrassment of their League Cup loss at Fleetwood when they face title rivals Liverpool on Sunday. “I totally get the position. I understand the responsibilities. But with captain Bruno Fernandes dropped last weekend after criticising Carrick’s tactics and defender Lisandro Martinez fined for blasting the club’s transfer policy, Carrick’s side are far from united. A victory at Anfield would restore Arsenal’s belief and captain Martin Odegaard called on his team-mates to show their character against fourth-placed Liverpool, who can move within three points of the Gunners if they win this weekend’s marquee match-up.
Whether Carrick can avoid becoming the third manager to be sacked by United powerbroker Ratcliffe since he purchased a minority stake in the club in 2024 remains in doubt. Mikel Arteta’s side were left shell-shocked by their penalty shoot-out exit against fourth tier minnows Fleetwood following a dismal display in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw.
So, I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard,” Carrick said of his future. Enzo Maresca has warned his Manchester City stars they will face a “brilliant” Brighton side fuelled by a desire to avenge their League Cup exit.
