Michael Carrick is hopeful that Manchester United's horror show against Arsenal is simply a 'one-off'.

After a run of four consecutive victories, United were given a harsh reality check after succumbing meekly to rivals Arsenal 3-0 in their clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United certainly could not have any complaints regarding the defeat as they were simply awful early in the clash and Carrick has now urged his side not to allow a repeat of such a poor performance again.

"We just didn't start well enough, or quick enough, and conceded goals," Carrick told MUTV.

"When you concede goals at this level then it makes it difficult to come back. I think we improved as the game went on, but it just wasn't good enough from us.

"We are bitterly disappointed and will probably beat ourselves up about it over the next few weeks, but we'll come back looking at the bigger picture. It's a setback, but we're still up there and just need to take this one on the chin, take whatever criticism comes our way and come back stronger. It was certainly a bad day.But as players and coaching staff we'll analyse it and come back better.

"I am hoping it's a one-off, as there's been no sign of that recently. We've been pretty good consistently, which is why we're in the position in the table. We've had a decent start to the season. We have got plenty of time to put this right and there's still a long way to go."