Coach Michael Carrick will face a difficult task when leading Manchester United in the 2026-2027 season. He must maintain positive signals from the interim period and gradually narrow the gap with top opponents.
Officially appointed in May after a successful interim period, Carrick understands the pressure at Old Trafford. Having been a Man United player under Sir Alex Ferguson, he is familiar with the expectation that the "Red Devils" must win in every match. However, Carrick also admitted that the current squad is in the process of transition and cannot immediately return to the position of the glorious years.
We understand the reality of what we can achieve. How strong we are, what we have done in a short time and what we can do this season as well as the following seasons" - Carrick shared.
The English strategist also emphasized the need to be realistic, but at the same time set a goal to win in every match. He understands that Man United will not be able to complete the squad immediately after the summer transfer window closes, especially when the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City is still significant.
In transfer work, Carrick wants to have more new players but sets a clear requirement: they must be suitable players. Man United spent £48 million to recruit Andrey Santos from Chelsea and £35 million for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. However, this investment level is still significantly lower than many opponents.
Man City spent 116 million pounds to buy Elliot Anderson, Chelsea spent 117 million pounds for Morgan Rogers, while Arsenal brought Bruno Guimaraes in for 75 million pounds. Tottenham even spent 185 million pounds for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Carrick does not seem too impatient with this situation. He understands that spending money is only meaningful when Man United finds the right player to serve the long-term plan.
Besides personnel issues, Carrick also has to solve many problems in the current squad. Luke Shaw was the number one left-back last season, but the ability to maintain fitness when Man United has to play at a high density in the Champions League is still a question mark. In the center of the defense, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven all have their own problems related to injuries, experience or form.
Benjamin Sesko has also not been able to play in the pre-season due to injury from the end of last season. However, Carrick still has positive signs. Bryan Mbeumo impressed in friendly matches, while Andrey Santos was described by him as "a dream". Youri Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes are also expected to form a good midfield pair, although that means Kobbie Mainoo or Santos must compete for a position.
Carrick's ability to manage the dressing room will continue to be challenged when Marcus Rashford returns after a loan spell at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Carrick does not confirm the future of the English striker for sure but admits Rashford can still contribute a lot to Man United.
Marcus Rashford can contribute a lot to us. He has done it and can do it again" - Carrick said.
The new season will be the biggest test for Carrick since he took over Man United. The 44-year-old coach needs to maintain composure, exploit the existing factors well and make accurate transfer decisions.
