Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick insists the club can challenge for major honours despite spending significantly less than rivals this summer. United invested £148m on new players, far below the £300m-plus spent by Chelsea and Tottenham and Manchester City's record £458m. Their most expensive signing, Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton, could reach £70m, still short of the £89m club record for Paul Pogba. Carrick argues money is not the sole answer, emphasizing the importance of squad dynamics and balance. Criticism has focused on the lack of a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw and striking support for Benjamin Sesko, but Carrick rejects claims of spending restrictions from the hierarchy.

Financial concerns persist, with Swiss Ramble estimating United paid £852m in interest since the Glazer takeover in 2005. Total borrowings stand at £1.29bn, and the club faces funding a proposed new stadium costing over £2bn. Chief executive Omar Berrada maintains United can operate sustainably while competing, citing profitability and past trophy wins despite debt. New arrivals Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and the emergence of 19-year-old Shea Lacey leave Carrick confident the squad is stronger than when they finished third last season.