Michael Carrick says Manchester United need to keep on improving next season and hinted they would compete for the major trophies if they can find a level of consistency they showed in flashes last term.
Carrick took over on an interim basis from the sacked Ruben Amorim in January and immediately inspired a fantastic run of form that saw them finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in the Champions League.
The former United midfielder won 11 and drew three of his 16 games in charge and was handed a two-year deal to become the permanent head coach in May.
United have yet to make a signing this summer although Brazil midfielder Ederson is expected to arrive from Atalanta.
Looking ahead to next season, Carrick wrote in the club’s official yearbook: “We know that we need to keep improving. We have a huge responsibility here to win and play exciting football. That never changes, and we should always be striving to compete for the biggest trophies. There are steps to take but we are in a good place to take them.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of players, and we believe they have the required standards of talent, commitment and determination to be successful here. They love being at the club and we can see how badly they want it; that gives us the confidence to know we’re really building something and moving in the right direction.
“We know we’ve got what it takes to beat the best teams in this league. Now it’s about doing that over a full Premier League campaign, while also fighting for every trophy available to us.
“I cannot wait to lead the group forward next season and for those special European nights to return to Old Trafford. We are ready to kick on and give you more of the great moments that United are all about.”
You are always chasing a ‘unique buzz’ at Manchester United – Carrick
Carrick’s first two games in temporary charge resulted in wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, setting the standard for what was to come.
And the 44-year-old says recreating that “unique buzz” will spark an even better campaign in 2026/27.
He added: “Whether you are a player, member of staff or fan, we saw during the first two games after I returned, against Manchester City and Arsenal, the unique buzz you are always chasing here.
“But I think what pleased me most was the way we backed it up and kept progressing after those early successes. We showed quality, consistency and that we can win in different ways. There were great attacking performances against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa but also wins with loads of spirit and fight too, like at Everton and Chelsea.
“Even after we’d secured a Champions League spot, we didn’t lose momentum or focus. In our final two games, you could see the determination was still there from everyone. That’s exactly what we need to drive us forward going into next season.
“Of course, I know that it can’t always be plain sailing, because the standards are so high. Those standards are necessary for a club of this magnitude. It’s why achieving something here is so satisfying. And if we show togetherness, along with the values that we want to see in our performances, then we’ll always have a fantastic chance of being successful.”
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