Michael Carrick has insisted Manchester United can still challenge for major honours this season, despite being dwarfed in the summer spending stakes by their Premier League rivals.
Out-Spent but Unbowed: Carrick Vows United Will Challenge Elite
United splashed out £163million on five new signings, placing them tenth in the Premier League’s spending table.
That figure looks meagre compared to Manchester City’s staggering £472million outlay, while Chelsea (£351million) and Tottenham (£334million) also flexed their financial muscles.
Even newly-promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town outspent the Red Devils during the transfer window.
Carrick’s side pulled out of deals for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, who joined Manchester City and Tottenham for £116million and £85million respectively, believing both represented poor value.
But the United boss remains defiant about his team’s prospects.
“I certainly feel we can compete,” Carrick declared.
“The challenge is getting the right dynamics, the right balance, the right group together. Money’s one thing, what you do with it is another thing entirely.”
The statistics certainly back Carrick’s confidence. No Premier League side has collected more points than United during his 19-game tenure, with just three defeats in that run.
However, the caveat remains that United had no European or cup distractions from mid-January onwards. This season’s more demanding schedule will test their squad depth considerably.
“The players know what it took to put that run together,” Carrick acknowledged.
“Granted, there was only one competition, and we need to replicate that an awful lot more this season. But we have strengthened the group.”
With Arsenal failing to bolster their attack, and Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all adapting to new managers, Carrick senses an opportunity.
“There’s a freshness around the group, an excitement which is really encouraging,” he added.
“There’s a hunger and a feeling of wanting to achieve something.”
The 45-year-old admitted United trail some rivals in their development but believes the upward trajectory remains clear.
Chief executive Omar Berrada has spoken of a title challenge within two seasons, and Carrick is determined to deliver.
“We know where we want to get to, and we’re really positive that we can,” he said.
