Michael Carrick will hold a press conference at 1.30pm today ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Sunday. The head coach is expected to address the team's recent form, the arrival of Carlos Baleba, and the Champions League draw.
Champions League reality bites for United
United's last Champions League campaign ended in a tame exit from the top table of European competition. The Reds won just one match in their 2023-24 European campaign, finishing bottom of a group containing FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Bayern Munich. A limp 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to the German giants sealed their fate.
The same opposition will be in town this time around, with Roma, Leipzig and debutants Sabah also visiting Manchester. Intriguing away ties at Atletico Madrid, Sporting Lisbon, Villarreal and Como also await Carrick's side, with the clear target for the Reds to progress to at least the play-off round by finishing in the top 24.
Team news and injury updates
Carrick will also provide team news for this weekend's return to Old Trafford. Mason Mount could be fit to face Ipswich, but uncertainty surrounds Amad's fitness.
The defeat against Hull City on the opening day was unexpected, but even more alarm bells will be ringing if United lose to Ipswich. The Reds could be boosted by the return of Mount to the team, however further updates on Amad's fitness are awaited.
This week also saw Bruno Fernandes pick up the PFA Player of the Year award at the start of the week, and on Thursday United discovered their Champions League opponents for the league phase. Carrick could be asked about all of these topics in his press conference.
