Michael Carrick believes that the recent activity in the transfer market has left Manchester United in a stronger position than it was at the start of the summer. The club’s focus during the window was clearly on reshaping the midfield, and they secured the services of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba from Brighton. In addition, goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United, adding depth to the shot‑stopping department.
Overall, United’s net outlay for the window amounted to roughly £118 million – a figure that, while substantial, was actually lower than the spending of newly promoted sides such as Ipswich Town and Coventry City. Former defender Gary Neville has repeatedly warned that the Red Devils still need to reinforce their back line before the window closes, but despite that criticism Carrick remains optimistic about the squad’s quality for the rest of the campaign. "We’ve brought in some very good players and improved the squad in a number of ways, both individually and as a collective unit," Carrick said while taking part in a charity golf day for his foundation.
"You go into a transfer window hoping to emerge stronger than you were before, and I’m convinced we have achieved that." He went on to acknowledge that transfer windows are rarely simple affairs, especially this summer, which presented its own set of challenges. "There’s a huge amount of money being spent across the league, and we have had to make the most of the situation we found ourselves in," he explained.
"That’s the reality of modern football – some clubs will spend far more than us, others less. The key is to maximise the resources you have and understand where you stand. I think we are a very good team and we want to keep getting better." The early part of the new season, however, has not been entirely smooth for Carrick’s side.
United suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend, a result that could have set a negative tone for the months ahead. Yet the team responded admirably in their next match, delivering a convincing 5‑2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. That turnaround provided Carrick with a tangible example of the squad’s resilience and determination. "Since I returned and we have been rebuilding the group, we have experienced a few setbacks and lost a couple of games, but the way the lads have dealt with those difficulties gives us a lot of confidence moving forward," Carrick remarked.
"At some point you will always face moments that go against you – whether it’s a single game or a specific incident within a match. The response we showed and the belief the players displayed tells you a great deal about our character as a unit." He praised the team’s performance in the first half of the Ipswich game, noting that even when things went wrong for a few minutes, the players regrouped and produced high‑quality football in the second half. "Many people focus on goals and results, but what really pleased us was the mentality.
It gives us great encouragement for the rest of the season," he added. While several United players shone against Ipswich, the headlines inevitably returned to Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder opened his season tally with a third hat‑trick for the club and supplied a superb assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. His display prompted former United great Gary Neville to label Fernandes as the best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, a compliment that Carrick echoed without hesitation.
"I have spoken a great deal about Bruno, and his performance simply underlines what he is capable of," Carrick said. "He is incredibly important to us, and his impact has been consistent over a long period. Since we started working together again, he has been nothing but positive." Carrick highlighted the professionalism and work ethic that Fernandes brings to the training ground each day. "He sets an example every single day.
He trains hard, his attitude is spot‑on, he is desperate to win and to perform, and he delivers performances like the one we saw against Ipswich. Bruno always reminds us that football is a team sport, and there were other individuals who also had fantastic afternoons." He acknowledged the media focus on Fernandes, noting that it is well‑deserved. "Bruno gets the headlines and I understand why – the quality of his moments was extraordinary over the weekend.
I am confident we will see many more of those moments as the season progresses," Carrick concluded. As United continue their campaign, the combination of new midfield talent, a solidified goalkeeping option and the steady influence of senior figures like Fernandes should provide Carrick with the tools needed to navigate the challenges ahead. The manager’s belief that the squad has grown stronger, coupled with the players’ demonstrated resilience, suggests that Manchester United are poised to improve their standing in the Premier League as the season unfolds.