Thierry Henry makes Arsenal comparison in new Manchester United verdict

Before the Red Devils faced Roma in the Champions League, they were coming off a nine-game winless run that saw Michael Carrick mightily close to the sack after a torrid stretch of results that saw United 17th in the Premier League table and 20th in Europe’s premier competition.

They were without a victory since late August, registering just two maximum-point returns all season, against Ipswich Town and minnows Sabah.

Arsenal legend Henry compared United’s current situation to that of his former club when the Gunners were looking to rebuild in Wenger’s final years, through Unai Emery and now Mikel Arteta, who has led the north Londoners to a first top-flight title in 22 years.

“If you go back to the last years of Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and the beginning of Mikel Arteta, it was a tiny bit toxic,” Henry said on CBS.

“The fans were going amongst each other, asking who the coach should be, who should come and go, having a go at the owners.

“It’s a bit like what’s happening with United now. Surely, along the way, all the coaches they’ve had could have been the answer? Did they give enough time to that one, you don’t know who it could have been? You have guys that are strict, not strict, experienced, not experienced, club legends... it didn’t work.

“You’re telling me that none of those coaches could have turned it around? Were they given time to turn it around? Arteta at times didn’t have great runs in the league; didn’t finish where Arsenal are supposed to finish. They kept him.

“Now everyone is saying he’s a great coach. If he didn’t have the time to show that he was a good coach, we would have said that he was inexperienced, couldn’t handle it and couldn’t win.”

Carrick oversaw a 3-2 win against Roma on Tuesday in a dramatic comeback at Old Trafford that had threatened to turn toxic once more as United fell 2-0 down inside 18 minutes against the in-form Italians.

They roared back in the second period to claim all three points, in a result that will give their under-fire boss more time as they prepare to face Aston Villa at home this weekend.

Carrick’s position was set to be reassessed by the club’s hierarchy over the November international break, but it remains to be seen what effect this win will have on his future.