Michael Carrick has said Manchester United "need more, we want more" in the transfer window, as the club's pre-season ends with a settled squad and high expectations among players.
Pre-Season Optimism
Speaking at Carton House hotel in County Kildare, where United held their second training camp of the year, Carrick was upbeat. The previous night, United had won their second trophy of pre-season, the Snapdragon Cup and the Boyle Sports Cup, but Carrick's mood was more tied to news from home: his daughter Louise passed her A-Levels, a fact he mentioned during a 25-minute chat with journalists.
Carrick praised the impact of new signings Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans, but reserved the most praise for Andrey Santos. He said the squad's spirit is good and the pre-season has been "positive and productive."
Transfer Window Frustration
On the transfer window, Carrick was forthright, repeating four times that United have to "keep pushing." He acknowledged that in a summer when elite clubs spend £100m+ on players, United are shopping in a different market, which makes his job more difficult. He hinted they might have to "break the bank eventually" to get the right player.
Carrick believes greater investment is needed to make the final leap, but he is comfortable with the expectations of managing the club. He talked the club up, contrasting with previous managers who talked United down.
Challenge Compared to Playing Days
Carrick said earning the dressing room's respect as a player 20 years ago was a bigger challenge than now being the figurehead. "I have to say, coming in to start with as a player was probably the biggest challenge. I'm not saying this is easier, but it was the biggest challenge. It was new. It was a massive step up, coming into a whole different environment of something that I didn't know," he said.
He added that being at the club for so long makes it a more natural environment.
Players' Belief
Carrick was pleased to hear that several players have talked up the possibility of a big season and even winning a 21st league title. He said, "For the players to believe that, it puts us all in a good place. I think you've got to have the belief, you've got to be going into the season thinking we can achieve something special."
He added, "Don't be going into a season thinking this could be a struggle. We've got to set out to really achieve something. So for the players to believe that, first and foremost, my words are words, I sit here and tell you anything, but they've got to go out there and do it and feel it."
Time will tell whether this is a hostage to fortune or a sign that, with a strong spirit and a couple of more astute signings, the sky really is the limit this season.
