Carrick confident Manchester United have emerged stronger from transfer window

Michael Carrick says Manchester United are stronger than they were last season after the club made the best possible use of its available transfer budget.

United spent about £150m rebuilding their midfield with the signings of Andre Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

Their Premier League rivals Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool each spent at least £100m on one player during the summer transfer window.

Carrick said he was highly satisfied with United’s business and praised chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox for maximising the resources at their disposal.

“We entered the transfer window wanting to come out with a stronger squad than the one we had last season, and we have added strength to the group,” Carrick said at a news conference on Friday.

Discussing United’s financial approach, he added: “I think we have done a very good job in that respect. The financial situation is what it is in terms of what we have to work with and what we are trying to achieve to the maximum.”

Carrick continued: “Looking at what we have spent, I think we have made the most of it without any doubt, and that is why I am very pleased.”

The club did face criticism from some supporters after failing to sign a new left-back before the transfer window closed on Tuesday.

United had enquired about the possibility of signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, but no deal was completed. As a result, Carrick is expected to rely on Luke Shaw as the only recognised left-back in his squad for at least the first half of the season.

“You can always assess things, and there are other things you can do or could have done, and perhaps could have got done,” Carrick said when asked about the decision not to recruit in that position.

“Some options become available and some do not. That is part of developing the group and the ongoing attempt to improve. There is no completely perfect squad, and you always have to look for ways to adapt.”

Zirkzee remains part of Carrick’s plans

Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee attracted late interest from Everton on Tuesday, but the transfer window closed with the 25-year-old remaining at Manchester United.

Zirkzee has not played a single minute so far this season, although Carrick expects him to have an important role in the months ahead.

“Zirkzee is an important player,” said Carrick.

“Again, it is about the team, the squad, the depth and the whole season. Joshua is happy here, and my relationship with him is very good.”

Carrick acknowledged that Zirkzee wants more playing time, but said that competition for places could benefit the team as the fixture schedule becomes busier.

“What the player wants is to play more minutes than he has had, and that is a positive thing because it creates healthy competition for positions,” he said. “We have a lot of matches coming up, even over the next couple of weeks.”

Carrick believes Zirkzee has the ability to make a significant contribution to United this season.

“Zirkzee has the ability to produce extremely high levels, and I have seen that myself and know what he can do,” he added. “I am looking forward to seeing him show that more consistently with us.”