Michael Carrick will be desperate to get off to a winning start when Manchester United face Hull City on the opening day of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The visit to the MKM Stadium will set the tone for the early part of the campaign, allowing the team to build confidence ahead of a long season. Carrick’s heroics last term saw United qualify for the Champions League for the first time in several years.
Carrick's Impressive Record
He boasts a stunning record since taking over as interim manager in January, having won 12 out of 17 league matches and lost just two, giving him a win percentage of 70.6%. The former midfielder was rewarded with a permanent contract by club bosses last month. But the pressure will be even greater this season for Carrick given he is now the main man. He will be expected to produce similar results across a longer period, while integrating several new arrivals.
United are expected to be busy in the coming weeks in the transfer market, having been linked with various targets. And Carrick will be able to call upon a stronger squad than the one he had when he took charge in January.
Ederson Set for Debut
Brazil star Ederson is set to become United’s first signing of the summer. Earlier this month, the Reds agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign the midfielder, believed to be in the region of £35m plus £3.8m in add-ons. Ederson admitted recently the deal is "practically almost all sorted". Given the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s uncertain future, the 26-year-old is expected to form half of the midfield duo on the opening day of the season, giving him his first taste of English football.
He earned a late call-up to Brazil’s squad for the World Cup in place of the injured Wesley. Ederson made his World Cup debut off the bench in the 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday night, meaning he will be sharp when the new campaign kicks off.
Nmecha as Fernandes Alternative
It is no secret that United want to sign another midfielder to accompany Ederson in the centre of the pitch this summer. Mateus Fernandes of West Ham has been the Reds’ top midfield target in recent weeks, having impressed this term prior to the Hammers’ relegation. Yet, despite ticking several boxes for Carrick, the 21-year-old will cost a hefty sum in the region of £80m. United will not be held for ransom, having already withdrawn from the race to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson for the same reason.
Should they not deem Fernandes to be worth that fee, a brilliant alternative is Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old, previously of Manchester City’s academy, is currently starring for the Germany national team at the World Cup. His assured performances in central midfield are just what Carrick needs next season. A sum of around £52m will reportedly be sufficient to convince Dortmund to part ways with Nmecha, while allowing United to use the remainder of the Fernandes money to bolster other areas of the squad.
Summerville Benched
Fernandes hasn’t been the only West Ham star attracting interest from United. The Manchester Evening News understands Netherlands left winger Crysencio Summerville has also caught the eye of Old Trafford bosses. The Irons reportedly need to generate around £120m through player sales this summer due to their relegation to the Championship. Summerville could provide almost half of that sum given his £50m price-tag, meaning they could be open to offers in that region.
The 24-year-old has already scored two goals in two appearances at the World Cup, demonstrating what a threat he can be. Given his impressive displays, United will need to act quickly after the tournament to secure his signature, with Roma also showing interest. Should he be signed by United, Summerville can be afforded some time before being thrown into the starting eleven, with Patrick Dorgu being the established left wing option since Carrick took charge. The Dutchman could be called upon to impact the game from the bench if necessary.
Carrick Spolit for Choice
Carrick could be spoilt for choice when he selects his starting XI to face Sergej Jakirovic’s side on the opening day. That may mean needing to make some brutal decisions on the day, but a deep squad is essential to compete across multiple competitions this season, with the likes of Summerville (if signed), Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko sure to play a part down the line.
Dream Manchester United starting line-up to face Hull City in full: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Felix Nmecha, Ederson; Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo.
