Michael Carrick's calm demeanour has become one of the defining features of his tenure at Manchester United, and it was on full display this week as he fielded pointed questions from the media about the club's ambitions and spending for the upcoming campaign. Rather than showing frustration, Carrick handled the scrutiny much as he once dictated play in midfield—composed, measured, and unwilling to be rushed into hasty responses.
That sense of control has extended to United's pre-season, which wrapped up with a record of two wins, two draws and two defeats across six matches over five weeks. While the results themselves were unremarkable, several individual performances offered genuine encouragement for the season ahead.
Chief among them is Andrey Santos, the £48m summer signing from Chelsea, who was one of only three players—alongside Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven—to start all six pre-season fixtures. The 22-year-old midfielder impressed with his composure in possession, tactical discipline, and communication on the pitch, suggesting he could become a key figure in Carrick's plans.
Youri Tielemans, United's other major summer addition, has also settled in quickly, showing the kind of assurance that could benefit the wider squad. Early signs point to a productive partnership forming between the Belgian and captain Bruno Fernandes. Elsewhere, Bryan Mbeumo has returned to the sharp, influential form he showed before his Africa Cup of Nations exertions last season, while Heaven and Leny Yoro both caught the eye defensively—the latter notably deployed at right-back. Amad Diallo showed flashes of quality following his World Cup involvement, and 19-year-old academy prospect Shea Lacey continues to generate excitement, even as the club looks to manage his development carefully.
However, the pre-season also exposed gaps that Carrick must address. Striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow did not feature at all, while Mason Mount—who many considered United's standout performer in the opening matches—was sidelined after a precautionary withdrawal following a foot knock against Paris Saint-Germain on August 8.
Some squad members appear to have no long-term future at Old Trafford. Midfielder Toby Collyer, who deputised for Mount, is expected to depart, with club insiders anticipating strong interest in him. Full-back Harry Amass, who served as backup to Luke Shaw, is also likely to leave, most probably via loan. Joshua Zirkzee remains a popular figure within the squad but continues to lack a clear role, with Lacey preferred in the number 10 position at times—fueling speculation of a potential return to Serie A if a suitable offer materializes.
The situation surrounding Marcus Rashford also remains unresolved. While the expectation among sources is that he will stay, uncertainty persists, and both Carrick and his players have been careful to avoid making definitive statements on the matter.
With limited departures so far, United's transfer business remains a work in progress. Carrick himself acknowledged last week that "we want more, we need more," a sentiment that reflects the club's ongoing search for reinforcements—particularly at left-back, where competition for Shaw is seen as an urgent priority given his contract situation and fitness demands. Newcastle's Lewis Hall remains admired, though United's data-driven recruitment approach continues to explore alternatives.
Central midfield also presents lingering questions, particularly whether Mount can fulfill the long-discussed 'third midfielder' role, with young Leicester talent Louis Page mentioned as potential depth. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, despite an impressive debut season, remains a calculated gamble given his limited senior experience and a difficult World Cup outing.
As Carrick put it, "We've got to be realistic, not get carried away and think everything is going to be rosy. It never is, never was, never will be." With Hull and Ipswich offering a gentler opening to the season, United will hope to avoid the stumbles that have derailed promising starts in years past.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.