Arsene Wenger says two Arsenal players were ‘nervous’ in Manchester United defeat

Arsene Wenger says two Arsenal players were ‘nervous’ in Manchester United defeat Louis Sealey Published January 25, 2026 6:27pm Updated January 25, 2026 7:03pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (Picture: beIN SPORTS)

Arsene Wenger says Michael Carrick ‘found a good formula’ to frustrate Arsenal as Manchester United beat the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were hoping to reclaim their seven-point lead at the top of the table after second-placed Manchester City beat basement boys Wolves earlier in the weekend.

Arsenal, chasing a first league title since 2004, took the lead in Carrick’s second game as United caretaker manager as Lisandro Martinez inadvertently turned into his own net.

But Manchester United demonstrated the same threat that saw them dispatch local rivals Man City last weekend and turned the game on its head through Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

Arsenal’s prowess on set-pieces once again came to the fore as Mikel Merino bundled home Bukayo Saka’s corner late on to seemingly earn the hosts a point.

But United went straight up the other end and second-half substitute Matheus Cunha beat David Raya with a stunning strike to maintain United’s perfect record under Carrick and dent Arsenal’s title charge.

Wenger praised Carrick for nullifying Arsenal and admitted he was surprised to see the usually ‘dominant’ centre-back duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes look ‘more nervous’ than usual.

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William Saliba during Arsenal’s clash with Man Utd (Picture: Getty)

‘I believe that they [Arsenal] wanted to win the game so much that they lacked a bit of patience in the build up and with the speed of the ball,’ Wenger said on beIN SPORTS.

‘They used a bit too much force and not enough technique. On the other side I believe that Carrick found a good formula and a good balance between defensive stability and good technical level.

‘It’s the first time I feel that the central defenders [Saliba and Gabriel] were a bit more nervous and less dominant than they usually are in games.

Bryan Mbeumo equalises for Manchester United! 👊 pic.twitter.com/zDbCns36MM

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2026

‘With the [first] United goal, Martin Zubimendi makes a mistake but Saliba should not be going in front of him, he should give him support and stay behind him to have the possibility to defend the ball.’

Wenger has earlier claimed that Arsenal ‘look miles above’ their Premier League title rivals.

‘I would say that Arsenal look miles above everyone else,’ the legendary manager said. ‘They look more balanced, stronger physically, better organised, top players in every position.

Matheus Cunha celebrates United’s late winner (Picture: Getty)

‘Many of the other teams are not of the level they were a few years ago.

‘Man City have less good players than they did before in every position. Liverpool are ntt at the same level. Aston Villa are consistently third in the league so that shows you something.

‘I’m convinced that this is Arsenal’s year more than ever to win the title.’

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The defeat was Arsenal’s first at home this season and means the Gunners lead Manchester City by just four points with 15 games remaining.

Manchester United, meanwhile, climb above arch-rivals Liverpool and up into the Champions League places.

Reacting to United’s impressive victory, Old Trafford legend Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: ‘An incredible match and a sobering day for Arsenal.

‘They will have to reset and rethink. For United, what a turn around for Michael Carrick’s men.’

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