Michael Carrick dismisses talk of an 'easy' start for Manchester United

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has dismissed suggestions that his team has been handed a favourable start to the new Premier League season.

United are set to face two newly promoted sides in their opening fixtures, with an away trip to Hull City this Saturday, followed by their first home game of the campaign against Ipswich Town on August 30. Despite the perception that these matches represent an opportunity for an easy start, Carrick is firmly rejecting that narrative.

A newly promoted team away from home is a tough game. I've been involved in them in the past so I'm fully aware of what's coming at us on Saturday and what we've got to be ready for. Michael Carrick

The manager described the talk of a simple start as "pretty ridiculous," noting that he is not taking such assessments into account as the squad prepares for the competitive demands of the upcoming fixtures.