Manchester United boss Michael Carrick targets Champions League qualification

Michael Carrick says Manchester United’s immediate target is to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive season as he continues the club’s long-term rebuild.

Carrick, who won the Premier League five times as a player, is now tasked with guiding the Old Trafford side back to the top of English football and eventually ending their long wait for another league title.

The former midfielder was part of Manchester United’s most recent Premier League-winning team. Thirteen years on, he says adding a 21st league title this season would represent a “leap”, although he insists he would never say the ambition was beyond his squad.

Manchester United hope to mark the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028 by winning the title. Carrick, who led the side to third place after taking charge during difficult circumstances in January, says he remains determined to keep moving towards that objective.

“We want to develop as a team,” Carrick said before Saturday lunchtime’s meeting with newly promoted Hull City.

“We have a lot of young players in the group and we want to help them progress individually, which will move us collectively in a good direction.

“I think the experiences they have had, and getting used to what it feels like to win a number of games, is hugely important.

“Feeling that and understanding what it takes first, and what you have to do to get the outcome you want, is massive for the players at this club. Then, of course, let’s see what we can achieve.”

Carrick was appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager in May and has set a clear benchmark for the campaign.

“Yes, without a doubt, we want to finish in the Champions League places again,” he said. “It is a challenge, and a big challenge.

“There are a lot of teams fighting for that position. We managed to do it last season, so we have to aim to repeat it and then keep applying pressure throughout the season to see how things develop.

“We want to start strongly, get through the winter months, be strong and finish the season strongly. It is about putting all of that together and then seeing where we end up, but we go into this stage with a lot of encouragement.”

Midfield balance key to rebuild

How successfully Manchester United reshape their midfield is expected to be central to their prospects.

Influential midfielder Casemiro has departed and Manuel Ugarte is absent, while Yuri Tielemans and Andre Santos have strengthened the midfield this summer. The club are also attempting to add Brighton player Carlos Baleba.

Carrick believes United already possess a squad with “very good balance” and, having played in one of the most important areas of the pitch, understands the value of building a strong midfield platform.

“I think it gives you the foundation of the team,” he said.

“I think the foundation of the team is important for stability, to maintain consistent performances throughout one match from start to finish and to keep that stability over a period of time.

“You need a solid foundation in the middle of the team, trying to bring the different elements together and achieve that balance.

“But certainly, if you look at all the top teams over the years, the great teams through the years, you will find that the spine of the team is extremely strong.

“So we are aware of that, and I think we have a good spine in the team at the moment.

“We can continue to improve as we go along in different ways, through training and helping and developing the players, and I think we are in a good position.”