Michael Carrick has expressed a strong belief that Manchester United’s squad has taken a step forward thanks to the club’s activity in the recent transfer window. The former midfielder highlighted the impact of the new arrivals, noting that the team looks better both on an individual level and as a collective unit. During the summer, United concentrated on reshaping their midfield, bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba from Brighton. In addition, goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United.
The total net outlay for the window amounted to roughly £118 million – a figure that, while sizable, was still lower than the spending of newly promoted sides such as Ipswich Town and Coventry City. Even so, former player‑turned‑analyst Gary Neville has warned that United must still allocate funds to strengthen the defensive line before the window closes. Despite the criticism regarding defensive investment, Carrick remains upbeat about the quality of the squad for the rest of the campaign. Speaking at a charity golf day for his foundation, he said: “We have added some very good players to the club and improved the squad in a number of ways, both individually and collectively.
When you enter a transfer window you hope to emerge stronger than you were at the start, and I am convinced we have achieved that.” He acknowledged that transfer windows are rarely straightforward, especially this one, which was complicated by heavy spending across the Premier League. “There is a lot of money being thrown around in the league, and we have made the most of the situation we found ourselves in,” Carrick explained. “Sometimes other clubs spend more than us, sometimes less – we simply have to maximise what we have and understand where we stand. I think we are a very good team and we want to keep improving.” United’s early season start was far from ideal.
The Red Devils 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 rest of the campaign. However, the side quickly rebounded with a dominant 5‑2 victory over Ipswich Town in their first home match. Carrick praised the resilience shown by his players, saying it gave him confidence moving forward.
“The boys have faced setbacks – we have lost a few games and encountered challenges – but the way they have dealt with those difficulties gives us a lot of courage for the future,” he said. “At some point you will always encounter moments that go against you, whether it’s a single game or a specific incident within a match. The response we displayed and the confidence the squad showed tell you a great deal about our character as a group.” He added that United’s performance against Ipswich demonstrated a strong mentality.
“We did many good things in the first half. There were a few moments that didn’t go our way, but we carried that into the second half and produced some excellent football. Many people focus on the goals and the final score, but what really pleased us was the mindset.
It gives us a lot of encouragement for the weeks ahead.” While several United players performed admirably, the headlines inevitably centred on Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international opened his season tally with a third hat‑trick for the club and provided a sublime assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. Carrick noted that Fernandes’ brilliance has prompted Gary Neville to label him the best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, a compliment that Carrick himself struggled to surpass.
“I have talked a great deal about Bruno and his ability to influence games,” Carrick said. “His importance to us and the impact he has cannot be overstated.
Since we started working together again, he has been nothing but positive. He sets the example every day – his training ethic, his attitude, his hunger to win – and he backs that up with performances like the one we saw against Ipswich.” He continued, “Bruno recognises that football is a team sport, and while he gets the headlines – rightly so, because his moments were spectacular – there were other individuals who also had fantastic afternoons. The quality of his contributions was special, and I am confident we will see many more such displays as the season progresses.” Carrick’s optimism reflects a broader belief within the United camp that the new signings, combined with the existing core, can elevate the club’s fortunes. The midfield overhaul, the addition of a reliable goalkeeper, and the continued excellence of key players like Fernandes provide a platform for sustained improvement.
While defensive reinforcements remain a priority, the manager‑in‑waiting’s confidence suggests that United are on a positive trajectory despite a rocky start. Looking ahead, United fans can anticipate further developments as the team seeks consistency and aims to climb the Premier League table.
The blend of youthful energy from newcomers such as Santos and Tielemans, seasoned experience from veterans, and the leadership of figures like Bruno Fernandes offers a promising recipe for success. Carrick’s conviction that the squad has grown stronger will be tested over the coming months, but the early signs of resilience and ambition hint at a season that could see Manchester United re‑establish themselves among the league’s elite.