According to a report by Evening Standard on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has compared Manchester United's current struggles to the difficult rebuilding period experienced by his former club following the departure of Arsene Wenger.

Henry believes Manchester United could learn important lessons from Arsenal's experience, particularly the decision to remain patient with Mikel Arteta despite the difficulties he encountered during his early years as manager.

United have endured a disappointing campaign, with Michael Carrick coming under serious pressure following a nine-game winless run that left the club 17th in the Premier League table.

Their poor performances raised questions about Carrick's future, with the club's hierarchy reportedly considering possible replacements.

However, United secured some relief on Tuesday night after producing a remarkable comeback to defeat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.

Speaking on CBS before the encounter, Henry explained that Manchester United's current situation reminded him of the problems Arsenal experienced during the final years of Wenger's reign, Unai Emery's spell in charge and the beginning of Arteta's managerial career.

"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.

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

The former Arsenal striker believes a similar atmosphere is developing at Old Trafford, with supporters increasingly divided over the club's manager, players and ownership.

"It's a bit like what's happening with United now," he added.

Henry also questioned whether Manchester United have given their previous managers enough time to implement their ideas and turn the club's fortunes around.

He pointed out that the Red Devils have appointed several managers with different personalities, philosophies and levels of experience, but have continued to struggle.

"You're telling me that none of those coaches could have turned it around? Were they given time to turn it around?" he questioned.

Henry used Arteta's experience as an example of why clubs should sometimes show patience with their managers, even when results are disappointing.

The Spaniard endured difficult periods during his early days at Arsenal and failed to consistently achieve the league positions expected by the club.

Nevertheless, the Gunners continued to support him, allowing him to rebuild the squad and establish his football philosophy.

Henry said: "Arteta at times didn't have great runs in the league; didn't finish where Arsenal are supposed to finish. They kept him."

He further explained that without the opportunity to prove himself, Arteta could easily have been labelled inexperienced or incapable of winning trophies.

Meanwhile, Carrick has received some breathing space following Manchester United's comeback victory over Roma.

The Red Devils fell 2-0 behind inside the opening 17 minutes after Matias Soule and Donyell Malen scored for the visitors.

However, Bruno Fernandes reduced the deficit after the break before Matheus Cunha scored twice late in the encounter to complete the turnaround.

The victory ended United's nine-game winless run and provided Carrick with an important opportunity to strengthen his position.

His future is still uncertain, with Manchester United's hierarchy expected to reassess the situation during the November international break.

Carrick will now hope to build on the Roma result when United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford this weekend.