Carrick dismisses ‘ridiculous’ claims of easy start for Manchester United
Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United, has rejected claims that his side faces an easy start to the new Premier League season. He described such suggestions as ‘ridiculous’ ahead of their opening fixture against newly-promoted Hull City. The team will then host another top-flight newcomer, Ipswich Town, the following week.
Carrick, who is beginning his first full season as permanent manager at Old Trafford, emphasised the competitive nature of the league. He stated that there is ‘no favourable start’ for any team, particularly when facing a newly-promoted side away from home, which he considers a ‘tough, tough game’. He acknowledged the challenges involved and the need for his team to be prepared.
Team news and injury updates
Manchester United expects to see Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow included in the travelling squad for the upcoming match. Both players have returned to full training this week and are available for selection, having missed the club’s six pre-season friendlies. Sesko had been out since early May due to a shin injury sustained against Liverpool, which caused him to miss the entire pre-season campaign. Carrick expressed optimism about Sesko’s return, noting that he is back in training and looking forward to his reintegration into the squad.
However, Mason Mount is considered ‘touch and go’ for the fixture after picking up a foot injury during a 1-1 pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Mount has faced fitness issues since joining Manchester United, making appearances across three seasons. Despite this, Carrick praised Mount’s quality, stating he is a ‘top player’ and was ‘fantastic’ in his pre-season appearances. Carrick also highlighted the importance of rhythm for the player and expressed confidence that Mount would return ‘very, very soon’.
Other players sidelined include Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Tom Heaton. Bruno Fernandes, the team captain, is expected to be available to join new signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in midfield. Santos, a summer signing, has been a regular in pre-season, while Tielemans, who helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals, completed 90 minutes in the final friendly against AC Milan.
Marcus Rashford has also returned to the squad after a loan spell at Barcelona. Carrick expressed satisfaction with Rashford’s form and attitude, noting his physical condition and tactical versatility. Rashford is now in contention for a Premier League return against Hull City. While playing through the middle might not be his primary role, his ability to operate centrally offers flexibility for United’s attack.
Match outlook and historical context
The Opta supercomputer gives Manchester United a 68.9% chance of winning their opening match against Hull City, while Hull City has a 12.2% chance, with a draw at 18.9%. In the Premier League era, Manchester United has never lost to Hull City in 10 contests, with two draws and eight wins. Manchester United has also won their opening Premier League match on a record 22 occasions and has never lost when facing promoted opponents, holding a record of nine wins and three draws.
Hull City, under owner Acun Ilıcalı and coach Sergej Jakirović, were promoted via the Championship play-offs. They have won 60% of their Premier League openers, including a victory against then-reigning champions Leicester City in the 2016-17 season. However, they were relegated at the end of that season. Oliver McBurnie, who scored goals in the Championship last term, will be a key player for Hull City in attack. The match is scheduled for Saturday.
Carrick has a strong managerial record against Hull City, winning four of his six meetings across all competitions and remaining unbeaten in three previous visits to the MKM Stadium, with two wins and one draw. The club’s last league title was in 2013. Carrick, who won 12 of his 17 games last season, led Manchester United to Champions League qualification with three rounds remaining, having previously been seventh in the table. He was initially appointed until the end of the 2025-26 season and subsequently received a new two-year contract.
From the day Carrick was hired until the end of the campaign, Manchester United accumulated more points than any other team in the English top flight. The match will be played at the MKM Stadium.
Source: goal.com
