CARRICK BACKS MAN UTD TO MAKE DEEP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN

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Agency Report

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes his side have enough quality to compete with Europe’s top clubs and make a strong run in the Champions League this season.

United are returning to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in three years after Carrick guided the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League during his interim spell last season.

The Red Devils will begin their league-phase campaign on Thursday against Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carrick described the Champions League as a special competition and said United were determined to make the most of their return.

He said the club was not participating merely to enjoy the occasion but intended to compete seriously and progress as far as possible.

Carrick acknowledged United’s recent struggles in the competition, noting that the three-time European champions had been eliminated at the group stage in two of their last three appearances and had not advanced beyond the last 16 since 2019.

The manager, however, expressed confidence in his current squad, pointing to their performances against some of the Premier League’s strongest sides last season.

United defeated Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea during the second half of the previous campaign.

Carrick said the team was capable of producing strong performances in the Champions League and advancing deep into the tournament.

He cautioned that some players would be experiencing the competition in a new way but noted that most of the squad already had experience of European football through other competitions.

The United boss also insisted that his team had enough depth to cope with the demands of the Champions League despite having a relatively quiet transfer window compared with several Premier League rivals.

United strengthened their midfield during the transfer window, while the club benefited last season from playing only 40 matches, their lowest total since the 1914/15 campaign.

With the return of European football set to increase the workload, Carrick said his players must embrace the challenge and trust the entire squad.

He noted that the team could face matches on Thursdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, making squad management crucial throughout the campaign.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko is in contention to make his first start of the season after coming off the bench to score in United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Sunday.

Carrick also confirmed that defender Matthijs de Ligt is approaching a return to action after spending almost a year out with a back injury.