Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has expressed admiration for the Red Devils’ resilience after their dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 26, 2026. Despite the London club’s setback, Rooney insists that Arsenal still remain the favorites to win the 2025/2026 Premier League title.
The defeat saw Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table shrink to just four points, while Manchester City had already secured a victory earlier in the weekend. The Emirates clash was packed with drama, as Arsenal initially took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. However, MU equalized before halftime thanks to Bryan Mbeumo, setting up a thrilling second half.
MU Stuns Arsenal with Late Winner
Manchester United turned the game around early in the second half when Patrick Dorgu produced a stunning strike to give the visitors the advantage. Arsenal seemed on track to salvage a point when Mikel Merino leveled the score once again, hinting at a tense finish.
As Arsenal pressed forward in pursuit of victory, Manchester United capitalized on a counterattack. Matheus Cunha unleashed a brilliant curling shot beyond goalkeeper David Raya, sealing a memorable win for the Red Devils. The result propelled Manchester United into the Champions League spots, overtaking Liverpool, while Arsenal’s cushion at the top of the table narrowed.
Rooney Impressed by Carrick’s Leadership
Rooney singled out interim manager Michael Carrick for praise, noting the dramatic turnaround under his leadership. The former England striker was particularly impressed with how Carrick guided Manchester United to consecutive wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.
“I think Manchester United played brilliantly in the second half and fully deserved the victory,” Rooney told BBC Sport. “Arsenal seemed a bit nervous and started the second half under pressure. United took advantage, looked dangerous, defended very well, and ultimately deserved to win.”
Carrick’s immediate impact has been widely recognized, with Rooney emphasizing that few would have expected such a strong start for the former United midfielder stepping in as interim boss.
Why Rooney Still Backs Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s home defeat, Rooney continues to regard Mikel Arteta’s side as the team to beat in the Premier League. He pointed out that the Gunners’ recent slip-ups against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and now Manchester United could be cause for concern but do not diminish their status as title favorites.
“This is incredible for Michael Carrick – two wins from two matches against Manchester City and Arsenal. I don’t think he would have imagined such a start when he took over last week. There has been a huge change in everything since he arrived. He must be very pleased,” Rooney explained. “I still consider Arsenal the favorites to win the league, but what’s happened in the last three games will certainly be a concern for Mikel Arteta. Still, I think they remain slightly ahead in terms of odds.”
Harry Maguire Highlights MU’s Exceptional Performance
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also praised his team’s performance in north London, describing it as a remarkable display of resilience and tactical discipline.
“It was absolutely huge,” Maguire told Sky Sports. “We knew the first match, the derby at Old Trafford, was always going to be highly motivating, and one result can happen either way. Today, we had to prove ourselves again, and the team delivered.”
Maguire’s comments underline how MU’s squad responded to Carrick’s leadership, showing mental toughness in a high-pressure environment. The defensive organization and counterattacking efficiency were key to overcoming a strong Arsenal side.
Impact on Premier League Title Race
The Emirates clash has significant implications for the title race. With Arsenal’s lead reduced, Manchester City is well-positioned to challenge for the top spot, while United’s resurgence under Carrick injects new uncertainty into the standings. Rooney’s assessment reflects both respect for Arsenal’s consistency over the season and recognition of the emerging competitiveness of other top-tier teams.
“Even after losing here, Arsenal’s squad quality, depth, and tactical setup make them favorites. But they will need to maintain composure in the upcoming fixtures,” Rooney added. “This result highlights the Premier League’s unpredictability and why it remains one of the most exciting leagues in the world.”
Looking Ahead for MU and Arsenal
Manchester United will look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures, aiming to consolidate their position in the top four while keeping pressure on the leaders. Meanwhile, Arsenal must regroup quickly to prevent further slip-ups that could threaten their title bid. Both teams face critical challenges in the coming weeks, making every point vital in the championship race.
Rooney’s insights emphasize the dual narrative of respect and caution: acknowledging Carrick’s immediate influence at Manchester United while reaffirming Arsenal’s status as Premier League favorites. The ongoing competition promises thrilling encounters as the season progresses toward its climax.
Conclusion
Wayne Rooney’s measured perspective reinforces the Premier League’s highly competitive nature. Even after a shocking home defeat, Arsenal remain favorites in the eyes of one of English football’s all-time greats, while Manchester United under Michael Carrick has demonstrated renewed energy and tactical acumen that could reshape the top of the table.
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