As Manchester United prepares for the start of the new season, midfielder Michael Carrick has pushed back against media narratives suggesting the club has been handed a favorable opening schedule. The team is set to face Hull City in their first match, followed by a home game against Ipswich Town. Both opponents were promoted from the Championship last season.

Carrick, speaking ahead of the opening weekend, characterized the talk of an 'easy start' as ridiculous. Drawing on his extensive experience in the Premier League, he warned that promoted sides often bring momentum and intensity that can make them difficult to beat, especially in the early stages of the campaign. He specifically highlighted the difficulty of traveling to a promoted team's home ground, noting that he has been involved in such fixtures in the past and is fully aware of the challenges they present. His comments serve as a preemptive attempt to manage expectations and ensure the squad remains focused on the competitive reality of the league rather than perceived advantages in the fixture list.