'Ridiculous': Carrick dismisses easy start claim and refuses to rule out title challenge as Baleba talks drag on
The United boss says he is "not getting past Saturday" as he prepares for Hull, while admitting the club are "looking to strengthen." Talks with Brighton over Carlos Baleba continue, but deadline-day history suggests fans should expect a late scramble.
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Michael Carrick has dismissed the idea that Manchester United have been given a favourable start to the Premier League season as "pretty ridiculous."
United travel to play-off winners Hull on Saturday before hosting newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford. "It's a tough start, both teams," Carrick said. "I am not getting past Saturday. I'm fully aware of what's coming at us."
He also addressed growing fan frustration over a lack of signings since Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million on July 14.
"We are looking to strengthen the squad," he said. "We are certainly working towards that."
Is Baleba coming?
Talks are continuing with Brighton over Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, but a deal is still to be agreed. It is widely accepted that relying on Luke Shaw as the club's only orthodox left-back to retain fitness as he did last season would be a huge gamble. Carrick needs reinforcements and knows it.
Should fans expect deadline-day drama?
Almost certainly. For the past six seasons, at least one senior first-team player has arrived at Old Trafford as the transfer window was about to close: Senne Lammens last year (instead of Emi Martinez, who Amorim wanted), Manuel Ugarte for £50.8 million in 2024, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat on loan in 2023, Antony for £81.3 million in 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 and Edinson Cavani in 2020.
The performances of those deadline-day signings may suggest it is not a great time to buy players, but the pattern is clear.
Can United challenge for the title?
"It's going to be a jump," Carrick said. "It doesn't really matter whether I say we can or we can't, and I would never say we can't by the way. I don't believe that."
He added: "The run of form from last season gives us a lot of confidence but we know there is a whole new step to make. It's exciting. We have the potential to achieve things."
For context, the last time United started with successive victories was 2017-18 under Mourinho. Only twice before in the Premier League era have they opened against two promoted sides, and on neither occasion did Sir Alex Ferguson's team win both. The 2022-23 opener, a home defeat by Brighton followed by a 4-0 loss at Brentford, triggered a £150 million panic-buy of Casemiro and Antony.
Until the first two games are done and the window shuts on September 1, it may be wise to reserve judgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who do Manchester United play in their opening fixtures?
- Manchester United will face two newly promoted sides, starting with an away match against Hull City, followed by a home game against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
- Have Manchester United signed any new players recently?
- The club signed Youri Tielemans for £35 million in July. Manager Michael Carrick has confirmed they are actively looking to strengthen the squad further before the transfer window closes.
- What did Michael Carrick say about a potential title challenge?
- Carrick refused to rule out a title challenge, stating he believes in his squad's potential, though he acknowledged it would require a significant step up from last season's performances.