‘No easy start’: Michael Carrick pushes back on claims of a favourable Manchester United fixture

Michael Carrick has dismissed recent suggestions that Manchester United have been given an easy start to their Premier League season. Carrick, in his first full season as manager, believes the opening matches against newly-promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town pose a significant challenge. Speaking ahead of the Hull match, Carrick stated, "For all of us now, this league, there's no favourable start, you know? I think it’s a tough start."

Carrick is well aware of the difficulties that come with playing against newly-promoted teams away from home, as he has experience in this situation. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the challenges ahead: "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."

On the injury front, there is some positive news for United. Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow have both returned to full training and are available for selection. Sesko has been out since early May due to a shin injury sustained against Liverpool. Carrick expressed optimism about Sesko's return, saying, "Ben is back training, so that is another positive, and looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes."

Mason Mount is considered a bigger doubt, as he is 'touch and go' after sustaining a foot injury during a pre-season match against Paris Saint-Germain. Mount has only made 72 appearances in three seasons at Old Trafford. Despite this, Carrick remains confident in Mount's abilities, stating, "First of all, Mason’s a top player, top player. 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."

Marcus Rashford, who has returned from a loan spell at Barcelona, is now in contention to face Hull on Saturday. Carrick praised Rashford's return, saying, "Marcus has come back fantastically well. He’s enjoying his football, he looks fit, sharp, strong, and ready to play." His ability to play through the middle provides United with flexibility across the front line. Saturday's match against Hull will determine whether the optimism surrounding the team's prospects is justified.