Carrick dismisses 'ridiculous' Man Utd easy start talk

What the report says

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has pushed back against suggestions that his team have been handed a soft opening to the Premier League season. Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Hull, one of the newly promoted sides, Carrick said it was wrong to treat the fixture list as favourable simply because his team are due to face two promoted clubs early on.

United travel to Championship play-off winners Hull on Saturday before hosting Ipswich at Old Trafford on 30 August. The discussion comes after United finished third last season and Carrick was appointed permanently following a successful spell in interim charge. The expectation around the club is that they should begin strongly and carry over that form into the new campaign.

Carrick argued that promoted teams are difficult opponents, especially away from home, and said he is preparing for a competitive start rather than an easy one. BBC Sport reported that he described the idea of a favourable opening as "ridiculous," stressing that United must be ready for a challenge from the outset.

The remarks underline the pressure on United to perform early in the season, while also highlighting the unpredictable nature of matches against teams newly up from the Championship.