Man United continue incredible record from Boxing Day

Old Trafford, Monday — Manchester United’s resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick shows no sign of slowing after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace extended an eye-catching sequence that began on Boxing Day.

The win, United’s sixth in seven matches since Carrick stepped into the technical area in January, stretched the club’s unbeaten league run to 11 games and lifted them to the unique status of being the only Premier League side yet to drop a point since the festive period. From the 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United on 26 December, Carrick’s squad have collected 25 points, a haul that has reignited belief among supporters who left Selhurst Park singing once again.

Resilience was the watchword in south London. Palace, organised and aggressive, pushed United to the limit, but the visitors found a way to prevail, a trait that has characterised Carrick’s brief tenure. During the unbeaten stretch, United have already accounted for Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and now Palace, a roll-call that underlines the quality of the run.

The only blemish since Boxing Day came in the FA Cup when Brighton & Hove Albion edged a tight contest while Darren Fletcher held the reins. In league combat, United’s last reverse remains the 2-1 loss at Aston Villa, a match club observers still regard as harsh given the balance of play.

Carrick inherited a side that had stuttered toward the end of Ruben Amorim’s stewardship, drawing 1-1 with both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, and he has quickly injected momentum. Fletcher’s lone Premier League game in temporary charge brought a 2-2 draw at Burnley, but the former midfielder has since stepped back into a support role as Carrick has guided the team into uncharted territory for this season.

While the current streak is a source of pride, history offers context. The famous Arsenal Invincibles of 2003-04 set the benchmark with 49 league matches unbeaten, and United themselves have scaled greater heights: Sir Alex Ferguson presided over a 29-game league run bridging the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 campaigns, and the club holds the Premier League record for consecutive away fixtures without defeat, 29 between 2020 and 2021.

For now, though, Carrick’s charges are writing the present chapter. Eleague matches without loss, 25 points banked, and supporters dreaming of what may still lie ahead.