Carrick dismisses easy-start talk as Manchester United prepare for Hull

Michael Carrick has rejected the idea that Manchester United have been handed a favourable opening to the Premier League season, with promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town providing the first two opponents. The Guardian reported that United travel to Hull for Saturday’s opener before welcoming Ipswich a week on Sunday.

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Both clubs came up from the Championship, but Carrick stressed that status does not make either fixture straightforward. He said United are preparing for a difficult away game and drew on his previous experience of facing newly promoted teams to underline the challenge expected at Hull.

The opening matches begin Carrick’s first full season as United manager. According to The Guardian, the former United midfielder took interim charge in January and guided the club to third place last season. He was appointed permanently four months later following that run of results.

Carrick acknowledged that competing for the title would require another significant advance. However, he did not rule out what his squad might achieve, pointing to last season’s form as a source of confidence while also recognising that United need to reach a new level. He said the group believes it can accomplish worthwhile things and will commit fully to that effort.

Work on the squad may continue before the transfer window closes. The Guardian reported that United hope to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for less than £75 million and are also seeking a left-back. Carrick confirmed that the club is trying to strengthen and wants to finish the window with a better squad than it had at the start.

United also have a fitness question to resolve before the trip to Hull. Mason Mount’s availability remains uncertain because of a knock, according to the report. That leaves Carrick with a selection decision as he prepares United for an opening assignment he insists must not be treated as an easy one.