Why first 10 days of new season could tell us a lot about Man Utd

Q: Manchester United: The Early Season Challenge

Michael Carrick's Take on Easy Start: "Ridiculous" was how [Michael Carrick] assessed the feeling his side have been given a favourable start to the campaign. "It's not favourable. It's an easy thing to throw out there but it's pretty ridiculous. It's a tough start; both teams. I am not getting past Saturday." Transfer Talk and Squad Strengthening: Carrick also addressed fan agitation about a lack of further signings, specifically: "We are looking to strengthen the squad. We are certainly working towards that." Talks continue with Brighton over Carlos Balela, but a deal remains pending. Historical Perspective on Easy Starts and Late Transfers: Historically, Manchester United fans shouldn't be surprised by delays in transfer business or early season results: Only twice have United's opening two fixtures been against newly promoted sides in the Premier League era. In both instances, they did not start with two victories. Previous Examples: 2001: Beat Fulham from behind but needed a late David Beckham goal to draw at Blackburn. 2009: Lost at home to Arsenal and drew at Fulham. 2022-23: Suffered consecutive defeats to Brighton and Brentford, triggering a transfer scramble that saw £150m spent on Casemiro and Antony. Antony's Late Arrival: The Antony deal, completed on 1 September 2022, is a recent example of United strengthening their squad late in the transfer window.

Manchester United News: Michael Carrick Discusses Premier League Start and Transfer Talk

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Manchester United: The Early Season Challenge

Michael Carrick’s Take on Easy Start:

"Ridiculous" was how [Michael Carrick] assessed the feeling his side have been given a favourable start to the campaign.

"It’s not favourable. It’s an easy thing to throw out there but it’s pretty ridiculous. It’s a tough start; both teams. I am not getting past Saturday."

Transfer Talk and Squad Strengthening:

Carrick also addressed fan agitation about a lack of further signings, specifically:

"We are looking to strengthen the squad. We are certainly working towards that."

Talks continue with Brighton over Carlos Balela, but a deal remains pending.

Historical Perspective on Easy Starts and Late Transfers:

Historically, Manchester United fans shouldn’t be surprised by delays in transfer business or early season results:

Only twice have United’s opening two fixtures been against newly promoted sides in the Premier League era.
In both instances, they did not start with two victories.

Previous Examples:

2001: Beat Fulham from behind but needed a late David Beckham goal to draw at Blackburn.
2009: Lost at home to Arsenal and drew at Fulham.
2022-23: Suffered consecutive defeats to Brighton and Brentford, triggering a transfer scramble that saw £150m spent on Casemiro and Antony.

Antony’s Late Arrival:

The Antony deal, completed on 1 September 2022, is a recent example of United strengthening their squad late in the transfer window.