Manchester United’s current surge isn’t a “new manager bounce” that fades after two matches. It’s a clear change in structure, game control, and mindset — and the results since the coaching change prove it.
After Ruben Amorim’s departure (following an FA Cup third-round exit), Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach until the end of the season and immediately steadied the team.
The teams Manchester United have defeated in the streak (with scores)
Since Carrick took charge, United have put together four straight Premier League wins, beating serious opposition in the process:
- Manchester United 2–0 Manchester City
A statement derby win that launched the run. - Arsenal 2–3 Manchester United
United stunned the league leaders at the Emirates, winning it late through Matheus Cunha. - Manchester United 3–2 Fulham
A five-goal thriller, with a late winner showing belief and fitness, not panic football. - Manchester United 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur
A composed win, built on control, set-piece execution, and game management after Spurs went down to 10 men.
That run is exactly why Reuters described United’s “surge” and Carrick’s caution against “knee-jerk” decisions — because performances are matching results.
What’s fueling the winning streak (the real positives)
1) United now win matches with control, not chaos
Under Carrick, the big shift is how United protect games:
- they don’t fall apart after conceding,
- they don’t become stretched and desperate late on,
- and they’re killing matches with smarter phases of possession and calmer decision-making.
2) Set-pieces are suddenly a weapon
Against Spurs, United’s opener came via a corner routine, the kind of detail that screams coaching clarity and training-ground work.
3) Morale is up — and players have more freedom within a structure
Bruno Fernandes spoke about improved morale and players taking more responsibility and freedom under Carrick — that usually happens when roles are clearer and instructions are simpler.
4) Selection consistency (less “random rotation”) is helping rhythm
One of the biggest subtle upgrades: Carrick has leaned into continuity in his XI, which helps partnerships click faster during a short run of games.
Why Carrick looks better than Amorim (backed by numbers)
Amorim’s United period had a major issue: they conceded far too much, and clean sheets were rare.
A TNT Sports analysis (Jan 2026) noted that in 47 league games, Amorim’s side conceded 72 league goals and kept only 7 clean sheets (around a 14.9% clean sheet ratio).
Carrick’s early run, by contrast, includes:
- 2–0 vs Man City (clean sheet)
- 2–0 vs Spurs (clean sheet)
…and four wins in a row overall — including away at Arsenal — showing immediate defensive improvement alongside attacking output.
This is why the streak feels different: United are not only scoring — they’re finally controlling risk.
The “after he was fired” scoreline story: what the streak says
Look at the pattern of scorelines since Carrick took over:
- 2–0 (City)
- 3–2 (Arsenal)
- 3–2 (Fulham)
- 2–0 (Spurs)
That tells a clean story:
- United can win tight, emotional games (3–2 twice),
- but they can also win with maturity and discipline (2–0 twice).
That balance is exactly what top-four sides need.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s winning streak is built on real, repeatable positives:
- tighter defensive output,
- better set-piece details,
- consistent selection,
- calmer game management,
- and a noticeable lift in belief and mood.
And crucially: the numbers from Amorim’s spell highlight why this feels like an upgrade — Carrick’s United are giving up less and controlling more.