Manager Michael Carrick refutes the notion that Manchester United have an easy fixture list in the Premier League.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick called the assessment that the Red Devils have a favorable start to the season ridiculous and subjective.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has officially refuted claims that his team has a favorable fixture list in the opening stages of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The English manager even went so far as to call these subjective opinions ridiculous.
A treacherous away trip requiring heightened vigilance.
According to the fixture list, Manchester United will begin their campaign with an away trip to Hull City – the team that just secured promotion through a dramatic Championship play-off. In the next round, the Red Devils return to Old Trafford to host Ipswich Town, the club that finished as runners-up in the Championship last season.
Looking at the list of opponents, many fans and analysts agree that the Old Trafford team has a relatively easy schedule. However, Carrick has a completely opposite view, highly valuing the danger posed by the new signings.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the English manager emphasized: "For anyone familiar with this league, there's absolutely no such thing as an easy start. I think this is a very difficult run-up against both opponents. Playing away against a newly promoted team is always an extremely tough challenge."
The former Man United midfielder affirmed that the coaching staff and players are fully aware of the risks ahead, and have completely eliminated any complacency or underestimating the opponent.
"I think that's an easy comment to make from the outside, but it's quite ridiculous and we certainly never approach a game like that," Carrick reiterated the team's serious attitude.
The pressure of a first full season.
The 2026/27 season holds special significance as it marks Michael Carrick's first full campaign as the permanent manager at Old Trafford. After a period as interim manager where he made a strong impression, he was offered a long-term contract by the club's leadership.
The outstanding performance in the second half of last season – leading Man United to a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League – serves as both a foundation and a source of considerable pressure and expectation for the young manager. To maintain their top-level competitive position, maximizing points in the opening rounds is a mandatory task for the English manager and his players.
