Carrick Confident in Manchester United’s Title Chances Despite Challenges
Michael Carrick has acknowledged the challenges facing Manchester United in their quest to win the Premier League this season, but he emphasized that he would not dismiss the possibility of a title return. United last clinched the league title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and has struggled to mount a significant title challenge in the 13 seasons since.
Carrick’s recent return to Old Trafford brought a resurgence, as United collected 39 points from 17 games last season, the highest in the Premier League during that stretch. However, he believes the team must elevate their game to sustain this performance throughout the full season and challenge reigning champions Arsenal.
“It is going to be a jump,” Carrick stated. “Whatever I say it doesn’t really matter, whether I say we can or can’t, and I would never say we can’t, by the way: I don’t believe that. It is about what we can do and what we are capable of doing and what we believe we can do as a group.”
Carrick’s remarks came ahead of the upcoming season, where United faces two newly-promoted teams, starting with an away match against Hull this Saturday, followed by a home fixture against Ipswich next week. He critiqued the notion that their schedule presents a favorable start.
“There are no favourable starts,” he said. “It is a tough start. A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game. It is not favourable; it is an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous.”
In terms of player fitness, Mason Mount faces a late fitness test to determine his availability for the Hull match after missing the last two pre-season friendlies. “Mason will be back soon,” Carrick noted. “He has picked up a bit of a knock but there are no dramas.”
Defender Matthijs de Ligt, recovering from a back injury, has resumed training but will not participate in Saturday’s game. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford may feature for United for the first time since December 2024 after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Carrick praised Rashford’s recovery, commenting, “He looks strong, sharp, and ready to play football.”
United has also made a £60 million bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with Carrick confirming the club’s intention to bolster the squad further before the transfer window closes. “We are looking to strengthen the squad,” he explained. “We are certainly working towards that and trying to improve things and move forward.”
Michael Carrick has admitted it will be a jump for Manchester United to win the Premier League this season but insisted he would never say it is impossible for them to reclaim the title.
United have not won the league since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 or sustained a title challenge in any of the last 13 campaigns.
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But they took the most points in the division last season after Carrick’s January return to Old Trafford, earning 39 points from his 17 games in charge.
However, he feels they need to improve again if they are to maintain that form over 38 matches and dethrone champions Arsenal.
“It is going to be a jump,” he said. “Whatever I say it doesn’t really matter, whether I say we can or can’t and I would never say we can’t, by the way: I don’t believe that. It is about what we can do and what we are capable of doing and what we believe we can do as a group.
“The run of form we had last season gives us confidence but we know there is a whole new step to make as a group. We are pushing to do that. We know we have the potential to achieve things and we have got to believe we are a good team and can do good things.”
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While United begin their season with matches against two promoted clubs – facing Hull away on Saturday and then Ipswich at Old Trafford next week – Carrick said it is “ridiculous” to argue they have a favourable start.
“There are no favourable starts,” he said. “It is a tough start. A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game. It is not favourable, it is an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous.”
Mason Mount faces a late fitness test to see if he can play against Hull after missing United’s last two pre-season friendlies.
“Mason will be back soon,” said Carrick. “He has picked up a bit of a knock but there are no dramas.”
Carrick said there were ‘no dramas’ after Mount missed the last two friendlies (PA Archive)
Defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played in 2026 due to a back injury, is training with the team again but will not be involved on Saturday.
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Marcus Rashford could make his first appearance for United since December 2024 after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Carrick believes the England international could play as a centre-forward or a left winger, adding: “He has come back fantastically well. He looks strong, sharp and ready to play football. He can play through the middle and he has done. We have forwards that give us that flexibility.”
United have made a £60m bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Carrick has confirmed he wants further signings before the end of the transfer window.
“We are looking to strengthen the squad, we are certainly working towards that, and making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and move forward,” he explained. “We are certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it.”
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