Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has dismissed suggestions that his side face an easy opening to the Premier League season, calling such comments "ridiculous." Carrick will begin his first full campaign in charge with a trip to Championship playoff winners Hull City, followed by a home fixture against Ipswich Town, both newly promoted teams. "For all of us who know this league, there's no favourable start," Carrick stated at a Thursday press conference. "I think it's a tough start -- both teams, but not getting past Saturday. I think a newly-promoted team away from home is a tough, tough game."

Carrick emphasized his awareness of the challenges posed by promoted sides, having experienced them firsthand. "It's an easy thing to throw out there, but it's pretty ridiculous and we're certainly not taking it that way at all."

The former United midfielder, who secured the permanent head coach role after guiding the club to a third-placed finish last season, has overseen summer signings including Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Karl Darlow. While ESPN reported ongoing talks with Brighton over midfielder Carlos Baleba, Carrick acknowledged further squad strengthening is needed, particularly at left back.

Despite transfer gaps, Carrick remains confident his squad will be stronger by the window's close. "We're certainly working towards that and making the most of the situation that we have, and trying to improve things and trying to move forward."

Summer recruits Tielemans and Santos could debut against Hull, with Darlow expected to feature following a medical procedure. Players like Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt continue recovering from long-term injuries, while Mason Mount remains a doubt after missing United's final friendlies.