Michael Carrick has stated that Manchester United will need to make a significant 'jump' to become genuine Premier League title contenders this season, as Arsenal prepare to defend their crown. The United manager made the comment during his pre-match press conference ahead of the new campaign.
Carrick's impressive start at Old Trafford
United accumulated more points than any other team in the league following Carrick's appointment in January, earning 39 points from his 17 games in charge. That run of form propelled the Red Devils to a third-place finish, and Carrick was rewarded with the permanent managerial role over the summer.
The club has sought to strengthen during the transfer window, particularly in central midfield after the departure of Casemiro and a major injury to Manuel Ugarte. However, Carrick acknowledged that the squad remains thin in certain areas, notably at left-back, hinting that they may not yet be at the level required to challenge Arsenal for the title.
Title challenge expectations
“It’s going to be a jump,” Carrick said when asked whether his side could be title challengers this season. “It doesn’t matter whether I say we can or can’t – and I would never say we can’t – it’s about what we can do, and what we are capable of doing as a group.”
“I think the run of form that we had last season gives us a lot of confidence but we know there’s a whole new step to make as a group. We’re pushing to do that; it’s exciting. I think we’ve got the potential to achieve things, and we’re definitely giving everything that we can. We’ve got to believe that we’re a good team and we can do good things,” he added.
Early season fixtures and injury updates
United begin their season with matches against newly-promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town. Carrick dismissed the notion that his side has an easier start than their rivals. “There are no favourable starts. It’s an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous. It’s a tough start against both teams, but we’re not getting past Saturday. A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game,” he said.
“That is the beauty of the new season. For teams coming up into the league, there tend to be quite a few changes. That is the challenge playing against them, we are fully aware of that. Mentally and physically we have done a lot of work. We are fully aware of what’s at stake and what’s coming at us,” Carrick added.
On the injury front, United hope to have Benjamin Sesko available after he missed the entire pre-season with a shin problem. Carrick confirmed that Mason Mount is a doubt after missing games against Leeds United and AC Milan. “Ben’s back training, so that’s, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well. And then [we’re] managing Mason a little bit, but he’s very close, so it’s touch and go for the weekend, really, if not, going into next week. He’s picked up a little bit of a knock, it’s no dramas. Maybe it’s been a week or so, or 10 days or whatever it’s been. So, it’s nothing major,” Carrick said.
