Carrick is aiming for improvement, and trophies, and says the club is in a good place
Michael Carrick says Manchester United need to continue to improve next season and has revealed that they will compete for major trophies if they can find the level of consistency they showed last season.
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January, and quickly inspired a fine form that saw them finish third in the Premier League and earn a place in the Champions League.
The former United player has won 11 and drawn three of his 16 spells in charge and was handed a two-year contract as head coach in May.
United are yet to make a signing this summer, although Brazilian midfielder Ederson is expected to arrive from Atalanta.
Looking ahead to next season, Carrick wrote in the club’s official yearbook: “We know we need to keep improving. We have a big responsibility here to win and play exciting football. That doesn’t change, and we have to keep fighting for the biggest trophies. There are steps to take but we are in a good place to take them.
“We have a good group of players, and we believe they have the necessary levels of talent, dedication and determination to succeed here. They love being at the club and we can see how badly they want it; that gives us the confidence to know that we are really building something and we are going in the right direction.
“We know we have what it takes to beat the top teams in this league.
“I can’t wait to lead the team forward next season and for that special night in Europe to return to Old Trafford. We are ready to go forward and give you some more great times that United is all about.”
Always chasing ‘unique buzz’ at Manchester United – Carrick
Carrick’s first few games in charge led to victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, setting the stage for what was to come.
And the 44-year-old says repeating that “unique buzz” will spark an even better campaign in 2026/27.
He added: “Whether you are a player, a member of staff or a fan, we saw during the first two games after coming back, against Manchester City and Arsenal, the unique chaos that you always chase here.
“But I think what pleased me the most was the way we supported and continued to improve after those early successes. We showed quality, consistency and that we can win in different ways. There were good attacking performances against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa but we also win calmly and fight, like at Everton and Chelsea.
“Even after we got a place in the Champions League, we didn’t lose our momentum or focus. In our last two games you could see that the determination was still there in everyone. That’s exactly what we need to push us forward when we enter the next season.
“Yes, I know it won’t always go well, because the standards are very high. Those standards are necessary in a club of this kind. That’s why to achieve something here is very satisfying. And if we show unity, and the values ​​we want to see in our games, then we will always have a good chance to succeed.”
