Carrick Rejects Easy Start Narrative Ahead of Hull Opener

Michael Carrick is having none of it. Suggestions that Manchester United have been gifted a gentle glide into the new Premier League season? “Pretty ridiculous,” he snapped.

United kick off their campaign with a Saturday lunchtime trip to newly-promoted Hull City, then host another top-flight newcomer, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford next week. On paper, some have painted it as a soft landing. Carrick sees something very different.

“For all of us now, this league, there’s no favourable start,” he said, cutting through the narrative. “I think it’s a tough start. Both teams, but not getting past Saturday. I think a newly-promoted team, away from home, is a tough, tough game. I’ve been involved in them in the past.

“So fully aware of what’s at stake, what’s coming at us on Saturday, what we’ve got to be ready for. So, it’s not favourable. I think it’s an easy thing to throw out there, but it’s pretty ridiculous in a certain way and I’m not taking it that way at all.”

The message is clear: no complacency, no excuses.

Sesko and Darlow boost travelling squad

If the fixtures aren’t “easy”, at least the squad list looks healthier.

Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow are both expected to be part of the travelling party to Hull after returning to full training this week. Neither played a minute in United’s six pre-season friendlies, but both are now available for selection.

Sesko’s absence has been particularly felt. The 23-year-old striker has been out since early May after suffering a shin injury against Liverpool, a setback that wiped out his entire pre-season.

“Ben is back training, so that is another positive,” Carrick said. “Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes.”

It’s cautious optimism, but for a side that laboured for goals at times last season, simply having Sesko back on the grass is significant.

Mount ‘touch and go’ but backed to shine

Not all the medical news is as straightforward.

Mason Mount is “touch and go” for the opener after picking up a foot injury in the 1-1 pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain. It’s another frustrating interruption for a midfielder whose time at Old Trafford has been repeatedly disrupted by fitness issues, limiting him to just 72 appearances across three seasons.

Carrick, though, is unwavering in his belief.

“First of all, Mason’s a top player, top player,” he insisted. “We’ve seen that so far in the pre-season. He was one of our best players in the early stages in the games that he played and I thought he was fantastic. So not surprising, it’s what I’ve seen before, what I expect, what I know of him.”

The challenge now is rhythm. Not reputation.

“Of course, he’s missed some football over recent years and he wants to be fit, he wants to be in that full rhythm and he wants to stay fit,” Carrick added. “So we’re doing our best to help him do that, but he’s a top player, Mase. Mason will be back very, very soon, if not immediately, so it’s all good.”

United have seen flashes of the Mount they thought they were signing. Carrick clearly expects those flashes to become the norm once the injuries relent.

Rashford reborn after Barcelona loan

If Mount’s story is about recovery, Marcus Rashford’s is about revival.

Carrick has been openly delighted with Rashford’s form and attitude since the forward returned to Manchester United following a successful loan spell at Barcelona. Once out of favour under previous managers, the 28-year-old has re-emerged in pre-season as a serious option again.

“Marcus has come back fantastically well,” Carrick said. “He’s enjoying his football, he looks fit, sharp, strong, and ready to play.”

That alone is a shift. But there’s more. Rashford’s role is evolving.

Carrick acknowledged that playing through the middle is not necessarily Rashford’s primary position, yet his ability to operate centrally gives United valuable flexibility across the front line for the season ahead. With Sesko only just returning and the schedule about to tighten, that versatility could quickly become crucial.

No “easy” start. A manager bristling at the suggestion. Key players edging back, others rediscovering themselves. Hull away will show whether Carrick’s conviction is matched by his team’s edge.