Carrick backs Manchester United for title push but warns 'a whole new step' is needed

Michael Carrick has refused to rule out a Manchester United Premier League title challenge this season, insisting he would “never say we can’t” while acknowledging the club must take “a whole new step” to dethrone champions Arsenal after 13 years without a league crown.

United have not won the top flight since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, but the club recorded the most points in the Premier League last season following Carrick’s return to Old Trafford in January, earning 39 points from his 17 games in charge.

“It is going to be a jump,” Carrick said. “Whatever I say it doesn’t really matter, whether I say we can or can’t — and I would never say we can’t, by the way: I don’t believe that. The run of form we had last season gives us confidence but we know there is a whole new step to make as a group. We have got to believe we are a good team and can do good things.”

United open their campaign away at Hull on Saturday before hosting Ipswich at Old Trafford the following week — a run some have characterised as a gentle start. Carrick pushed back firmly on that assessment. “There are no favourable starts,” he said. “A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game. It is not favourable — it is an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous.”

On the injury front, Mason Mount faces a late fitness test after missing United’s final two pre-season friendlies. “Mason will be back soon,” Carrick said. “He has picked up a bit of a knock but there are no dramas.” Defender Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined since the start of 2026 with a back problem, has returned to training but will not feature against Hull.

Marcus Rashford could make his first United appearance since December 2024, having spent loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Carrick was encouraged by what he has seen in training. “He has come back fantastically well. He looks strong, sharp and ready to play football. He can play through the middle and he has done — we have forwards that give us that flexibility.”

In the transfer market, United have submitted a £60m bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, and Carrick confirmed the club are actively pursuing further reinforcements before the window closes. “We are looking to strengthen the squad, we are certainly working towards that, and making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and move forward,” he said.