Carrick Dismisses ‘Easy Start’ Claims Ahead of Hull Opener
Michael Carrick has dismissed talk of Manchester United being gifted a gentle start to the new Premier League season as “pretty ridiculous” as he prepares for his first full campaign in permanent charge at Old Trafford.
United begin with a Saturday lunchtime trip to newly-promoted Hull City before hosting another top-flight newcomer, Ipswich Town, a week later. On paper, some have painted it as a soft landing. Carrick is having none of it.
“First of all, for all of us now, this league, there's no favourable start, you know?” he said. “I think it's a tough start. Both teams, but not getting past Saturday. I think a newly-promoted team, away from home, is a tough, tough game. I've been involved in them in the past.
“So fully aware of what's at stake, what's coming at us on Saturday, what we've got to be ready for. So, it's not favourable. I think it's an easy thing to throw out there, but it's pretty ridiculous in a certain way and I'm not taking it that way at all.”
The message is clear: no complacency, no excuses.
Sesko and Darlow back to boost travelling squad
United’s preparations are lifted by the return of Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow, both in line to be included in the squad for the trip to Hull.
Neither featured in any of the club’s six pre-season friendlies, but both have come through a full week of training and are available again.
Sesko, 23, has not played since early May after suffering a shin injury against Liverpool, a setback that wiped out his entire pre-season. Carrick is eager to get him back into the rhythm of competitive action.
“Ben is back training, so that is another positive, and looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes,” he said.
Mount ‘touch and go’ but backed to come through injury troubles
Mason Mount remains a doubt for the opener, described as “touch and go” after a foot injury picked up in the 1-1 pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Fitness problems have dogged the midfielder since his move to Old Trafford, restricting him to just 72 appearances across three seasons. Carrick, though, is unwavering in his belief in Mount’s ability and influence.
“First of all, Mason's a top player, top player,” he said. “We've seen that so far in the pre-season. He was one of our best players in the early stages in the games that he played and I thought he was fantastic.
“So not surprising, it's what I've seen before, what I expect, what I know of him.”
For Carrick, the key now is continuity. Mount needs a clear run.
“Of course, he's missed some football over recent years and he wants to be fit, he wants to be in that full rhythm and he wants to stay fit,” Carrick added. “So we're doing our best to help him do that, but he's a top player, Mase. Mason will be back very, very soon, if not immediately, so it's all good.”
Rashford reborn after Barcelona loan
There was also a strong endorsement for Marcus Rashford, whose United career has been given fresh life after a successful loan spell at Barcelona.
Once out of favour under previous managers, the 28-year-old has returned to Carrick’s squad for pre-season and forced his way back into contention for a Premier League return at Hull.
“Marcus has come back fantastically well. He's enjoying his football, he looks fit, sharp, strong, and ready to play,” Carrick said.
Rashford’s main work has traditionally come from the flanks, but his manager sees a broader role for him in the months ahead.
While leading the line may not be his primary position, Carrick values the option of using him through the middle, a tactical flexibility that could prove crucial over a long season.
United head to Hull with questions over rhythm, fitness and selection – but also with fresh legs, returning talent and a manager determined to crush any notion that this campaign starts in first gear.
