Ahead of United's trip to The Emirates, the interim boss Michael Carrick spoke about De Ligt's injury, the importance of the academy, Casemiro leaving, the Gunners and more.
Some frustrating team news as De Ligt remains sidelined. Carrick confirms that the defender had a small setback before he arrived but should be available in the next couple of weeks.
Carrick didn't want to reveal much when it comes to the team news but did say that "everyone came through very well." Despite a good Derby victory though, he wants the players to stay grounded and that one game "doesn't make you a great team."
Carrick was highly praising of academy product Kobbie Mainoo citing that he is the exact type of player that this club is all about. "This club needs young players coming through. They're the foundation of the club... You've seen last week what Kobbie can bring."
On the announcement that Casemiro will be leaving at the end of the season, the interim boss said that it had already been decided before his arrival. Carrick doesn't have any issues that this could play on the Brazilian's mind as he is "desperate to finish well."
In terms of transfers, Carrick says that any decision has to be for the long-term and that he has a responsibility to what happens next. "I've got to make the right decision."
The interim discussed striker Sesko mentioning that "he's in a good place" and that he's been impressed with the Slovenian.
On Arsenal, Carrick is not taking them lightly as "they are a very good team" and that it's a big challenge for him and United to overcome such a strong opponent. "We want to be positive."
The United boss explains that they have their own ideas on how to get at Arsenal and that is what they're going to work towards. One of these ideas could be to use Mbeumo as a striker again. He says that it is due to variety that this could work pointing out that Sesko is great on the defensive line while Zirkzee is someone who's good at bringing players into the game.
Final Thoughts
What is going on with De Ligt?!
I can't even remember the last time he played and I thought his injury was more short-term. He's been out for a couple of months. We're lucky we do have enough cover for him so he won't be missed but it is a bit frustrating.
I also like the fact that he mentioned that it was just one game in which United played well. I feel a lot of people are dressing that victory up as a sort of prime Barcelona performance when in actual fact it was simple counter-attacking football.
Fans shouldn't get overly excited by that display as we've seen United play like that before. I'm not saying don't celebrate the performance but don't overly praise a simple approach.
I liked Carrick speaking so highly of the academy and it's importance to a club like United. This was one of the major criticisms I had of Ruben Amorim as he was reluctant to give the youth a chance. Apparently, Carrick even made more appearances at youth games this week than Amorim did in his entire 14 months in charge.
Whether that's true or not, I do think that the Portuguese missed out a little on what this club is all about.
Speaking specifically on Mainoo, again, this was another issue I had with the previous manager. His treatment of Mainoo was nothing short of ridiculous and unfair on the youngster whom we all know has unbelievable ability.
Against City, we saw just that. He was given his first start in the league last week. That performance showed us what he's all about and why he should've been given more of a chance under Amorim.
Carrick is now also the second interim in a row after Darren Fletcher to speak highly of the academy. These two know better than most what Man Utd is all about which is why they were willing to try some youngsters.
I think whilst Carrick is in charge, he will use some of the academy players as often as he can.
United need signings now. United need signings in the summer. United needed signings before Carrick., with Carrick and after he departs should he not stay beyond his interim stint.
I don't know why there is uncertainty over whether business will actually be done because we need new and better players. We absolutely need them if players are leaving particularly in that midfield.
That is an area where we are weakest.
Long-term thinking has to come into it regardless of who the manager will be although you would want to bring in players that the potential new boss will want to work with.
We got to buy players in this window as it will boost our chances of UCL qualification.
My Arsenal preview will be out tomorrow discussing what I think some of those ideas might be.
Michael Carrick | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)