Michael Carrick is not considering his future at Manchester United beyond the end of this season, as he instead focuses on facing Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Carrick has been placed in charge of United until the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It is his second spell in charge, having previously overseen a caretaker stint in 2021.

He could hardly have asked for a better start, as the Red Devils stormed to a 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford last week.

Now, Carrick must take his troops to Emirates Stadium to go up against the Gunners.

"Looking forward to the game, it's a big challenge. They're a very good team," he said.

"They have so many strong points to their game, they are where they are for a reason, we're fully aware of that.

"We're in a good place and looking forward to the game. It's where we want to be, with that energy and enthusiasm to go and be positive."

Asked about his future, Carrick replied: "The initial thoughts are what's happening now. The important thing for me is any decision I make or the staff make is it's not short-term; I've got a responsibility to whatever happens next I've got to make the right decision.

"As time goes on we'll work our way through it."

United are winless in their last six Premier League games against Arsenal (D1 L5) – they've never gone seven in a row without a win against the Gunners in their league history.

However, Carrick's first and only Premier League victory in his previous stint as United boss came against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal – a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in December 2021.

On Thursday, United confirmed that veteran midfielder Casemiro would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Carrick explained: "It's coming to that time of the season with contracts, January is January with the window, working our way through that and coming towards the end of the season with contract decisions.

"The [Casemiro] announcement was for clarity as much as anything, it was decided before I arrived, it wasn't a knee-jerk decision.

"I've had the conversation with him, he's desperate to do well and finish well."