Head coach says squad ready to “compete for the biggest trophies” next term
Michael Carrick is ready to kickstart his new mini-era at Manchester United. The 44-year-old was appointed head coach at the end of the season with a new contract after an impressive stint since taking over from the much-maligned Ruben Amorim at the turn of the year.
Carrick’s side were the most in-form team from his arrival until the end of the season and now, with his caretaker badge swapped for a permanent ID, he now has to show that he can take this team to the next level.
“We know we’ve got what it takes to beat the best teams in this league,” Carrick said in a message to fans. “Now it’s about doing that over a full Premier League campaign, while also fighting for every trophy available to us.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of players, and we believe they have the required standards of talent, commitment and determination to be successful here.
“They love being at the club, and we can see how badly they want it; that gives us the confidence to know we’re really building something and moving in the right direction.”
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United made wholesale changes under Amorim to improve the atmosphere in the dressing room. Last summer’s signings are generally accepted to have been excellent additions who brought mentality, talent, positivity and desire to the club. Carrick believes that spirit was vital to performances in the second half of last season and will be vital going forward.
“During the first few days after I returned to the club, myself and the coaching staff talked to the players about the huge opportunity we all have to represent Manchester United, which means so much to so many people, and the importance of embracing the challenge of playing for our club,” Carrick said.
“The players certainly did that and more, and we can be really proud of the progress the group has made over the last few months.
“We have a huge responsibility here to win and play exciting football. That never changes, and we should always be striving to compete for the biggest trophies. There are steps to take, but we are in a good place to take them.”
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So what now for next season? United had a 40-game campaign last term and could be playing as many as 20 more games this season, having returned to the Champions League and no doubt hoping to go further in the domestic cups than they did last season.
Carrick said: “I cannot wait to lead the group forward next season and for those special European nights to return to Old Trafford. We are ready to kick on and give you more of the great moments that United are all about.”
