Carrick challenges Manchester United to turn midfield rebuild into title momentum

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says his side must target Champions League qualification for a second successive season as they continue their long-term push to return to the top of English football.

Carrick, who won the Premier League five times as a player, took charge of the Old Trafford club on a permanent basis in May after guiding them to third place when he inherited the team during a difficult period in January.

He was part of Manchester United’s most recent Premier League title-winning side 13 years ago and accepts that securing a 21st league crown this season would represent a “leap”. However, the former midfielder insists he would never say the objective is beyond his squad.

The club hope to mark their 150th anniversary in 2028 by winning the title, and Carrick says he remains committed to moving United towards that ambition.

“We want to develop as a team,” Carrick said ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime meeting with newly promoted Hull City.

“We have a lot of young players in the group and we want to help them progress individually, which will take us collectively in a good direction.”

He added: “I think the experiences they have had, getting used to the feeling of winning a number of games, is hugely important.”

“To feel that and understand what it takes first, and what you have to put in to get the outcome you want, is massive for the players at this club. Certainly, let’s see what we can achieve.”

Carrick was unequivocal about the club’s immediate target.

“Yes, we want to finish in the Champions League places again, without a doubt. It is a challenge, and a big challenge,” he said.

“There are a lot of teams fighting for that position. We managed to do it last season and we have to aim to repeat that, then keep pushing throughout the season and see how things develop.”

“We want to start strongly, we want to get through the winter months, we want to be strong and finish the season strongly. It is about putting all of that together and then seeing where we end up, but we are going into this stage with a lot of encouragement.”

Midfield balance central to United rebuild

The success of Manchester United’s midfield reconstruction could prove decisive in determining whether Carrick’s plans come to fruition.

Influential midfielder Casemiro has left, while Manuel Ugarte is absent. Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos have strengthened the midfield this summer, with the club also attempting to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Carrick believes United already possess a squad with “very good balance”, but knows the middle of the pitch is crucial to maintaining that stability. His own experience in midfield has shaped his view of how important that area is to a successful team.

“I think it gives you the foundation of the team,” he said.

“I think the foundation of the team is important for stability, to maintain a consistent performance throughout one match from start to finish, and to maintain that stability over a period of time.”

“You need a solid foundation in the middle of the team, trying to bring its elements together and achieve that balance.”

Carrick added: “But certainly, if you look at all the top teams over the years, the great teams throughout the years, you find that the backbone of the team is very strong. So we recognise that, and I think we have a good backbone in the team at the moment.”

“We can continue to improve throughout our journey in different ways, through training, helping the players and developing them. I think we are in a good position.”