Carrick responds to claims that Manchester United's spending on new signings is less than that of promoted teams. He insists the club can still compete for the title without needing to spend hundreds of millions on transfers.

United spent only £93 million in the summer window, with the bulk allocated to midfielders Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans. By contrast, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Chelsea all exceeded £100 million in spending, and even promoted clubs Coventry City and Ipswich Town invested more than the Red Devils. Moreover, United is the sole member of the Premier League's traditional top six not to have splashed out £100 million on any individual player.

Manager Carrick stated that the team still needs reinforcements in two positions and hopes to bring in more players before the window closes. Responding to the club's prudent spending approach, he said: "Money is money, I understand that. But ultimately, it comes down to football, and the competition is played out on the pitch. So I believe the club has a responsibility to strive for victory and success, and that is a natural goal for us as a team."

Carrick added: "We feel that in everything we're involved in, we have to fight hard, while also understanding the recent history—it's a cycle. But in reality, the confidence we've built over the past few months, and our results in the league, involve many factors. That's just the situation, whether it's financial or otherwise. Right now, we have to make the most of the resources we have, while constantly pushing to break through limits and aim to win the title again."

When asked whether a team can win the title without spending £100 million on a star player, Carrick replied: "It depends to some extent on the demand for that position, the existing squad, and the tactical needs at a given moment. If the player is right, sometimes you do have to do that. But it's not just about money. Money alone doesn't guarantee anything; you need the right player, someone better than what we already have. Obviously, as time goes on, we must constantly work to improve the overall level of the team through various means. So yes, we absolutely need to do that."

Carrick concluded: "We need to keep communicating about where we need to work and what improvements are needed. That depends largely on team dynamics, our position, and our character. Player characteristics are one aspect, as well as what we expect from a player in a specific position and the direction we want to go. But the message is clear: we must keep working hard, there are things we want to try, and these actions must be the right ones."

The Red Devils' manager knows his goal is to lead the team to reclaim the Premier League title, with owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hoping to achieve it before the club's 150th anniversary in 2028. Carrick said: "Ultimately, that's the challenge we face, whether it's this season or next season, which might be more promising. We need to do it—I say it needs to be done, and we hope to do it as soon as possible. That's the goal for all of us."

Twenty years ago, Carrick joined United as a player from Tottenham, becoming a key figure in helping Sir Alex Ferguson reclaim the Premier League title. Now, he faces a similar challenge from the dugout. "I have to say that joining United as a player was probably the biggest challenge," Carrick explained. "I'm not saying the current job is easier, but back then it was truly the biggest challenge. For me, it was a new experience, a huge leap compared to before. I came to a completely different environment and faced things I had never encountered."

Carrick stated: "So adapting to that environment was a huge challenge. After being here so long, for various reasons, it has gradually become a natural environment, and you get used to it. To some extent, it becomes normal. My role is obviously different now, but because I know all aspects, the change isn't that big. Don't get me wrong, this position is incredible and crucial. But I don't have any special feelings because I'm used to it. That doesn't mean coaching is easy, but because I'm familiar with the patterns here. Twenty years is enough to thoroughly understand the club, to know what works and what doesn't. Now, I really want to use my experience and what I've learned to help others."

Under Carrick's leadership, United have maintained stability, and the pre-season training camp has been positive and upbeat, with players and coaching staff full of praise. Carrick reiterated that he believes players should aim to win the Premier League: "We absolutely have the potential to achieve something extraordinary. I don't shy away from that, and we should aim for it. The change isn't big; what matters more is how we maximize our potential. As I said, we need to build on what we already have. Encouragingly, we've moved past the transition period and built a certain level of trust—among players, between me and the coaching staff. We've earned that trust, and now we focus on what else we can do to get better."

Carrick concluded: "My answer is that while there are many changes, the key is ourselves and how we make the best use of what we have. That determines success or failure. First, if the players have confidence, that's a good start. I believe we must have belief, and we must enter the season with the mindset of achieving something extraordinary, not thinking it might be a difficult season. We must truly strive to make a difference. The players need to believe, and most importantly, I can only talk—they have to go out there and make it happen, feel it. They have belief, I can sense their excitement and anticipation, but without being blindly optimistic about the huge challenge ahead. We're at a good starting point now; we'll see how things go. I won't make any crazy predictions, but based on recent performances, as I've always emphasized, this gives us confidence to keep moving forward."