Manchester United face Hull City in their first Premier League game of the season
Michael Carrick has some big decisions to make (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Michael Carrick wants Manchester United to secure all three points when they face Hull City on the opening day of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The visit to MKM Stadium will set the tone for the early stages of the campaign and give the team a chance to build momentum for a long season.
Carrick’s impressive performances last season helped United win the Champions League for the first time in years. Since taking over as interim manager in January, he has won 12 of 17 league games, losing just two, and boasting an outstanding winning percentage of 70.6%. The former midfielder was handed a permanent contract by club leaders last month.
But expectations will be pretty high for Carrick, who is on the hot seat this season. He will need to produce similar results over a longer period of time while integrating some new players.
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United are expected to be active in the transfer window over the coming weeks, with various targets being discussed. And Carrick will have access to a stronger squad than the one he had at his disposal when he took over in January.
Mirror Football is currently looking at how the Red Devils will line up against Hull, with a number of potential signings being considered as potential starters.
Ederson’s debut
Ederson is expected to become a Manchester United player soon (Image: Getty)
Brazilian star Ederson is set to become United’s first summer signing. Earlier this month, the Reds reached an agreement with Atalanta for the midfielder, with the deal thought to be in the region of £35m plus £3.8m.
Ederson recently confirmed that the contract is “virtually all settled.” With Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s future uncertain, the 26-year-old is expected to form one half of the midfield pair on the opening day of the season and be introduced to English football.
He was called up late to the Brazil World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Wesley. Ederson made his World Cup debut as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday night and will be fit for action when the new season begins.
Fernandes Alternative
Nmeka has already attracted attention at the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
It’s no secret that United are keen to bring in another midfielder this summer to partner Ederson in the center of the pitch. West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes has been a key target in the Reds’ midfield in recent weeks and was in the spotlight this season even before the Hammers’ relegation.
However, despite ticking some of Carrick’s boxes, the 21-year-old will still pay a hefty transfer fee of around £80 million. However, United have already withdrawn from the race to sign England midfielder Elliott Anderson for the same reason and will not be held to ransom.
If they think Fernandes is too expensive for his price, Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmeka would be a good alternative. The 25-year-old, who came from Manchester City’s youth set-up, is currently playing for Germany’s national team at the World Cup.
His composed play in central midfield is exactly what Carrick needs going into next season. A transfer fee of around £52m will reportedly be enough to convince Dortmund to part ways with Nmeka, while United will be able to use the remaining Fernandes funds to strengthen other positions in the squad.
somerville bench
United interested in Crisencio Somerville (Image: ANP/Shutterstock)
Fernandes is not the only West Ham star to attract interest from United. Dutch left winger Crisencio Somerville also appears to have caught the eye of the Old Trafford bosses.
The Irons reportedly need to raise around £120m through player sales this summer due to relegation from the Championship. Given that he is valued at £50m, Somerville could account for close to half that figure, suggesting the club could be open to an offer in that ballpark.
The 24-year-old has already scored two goals in two World Cup appearances, underscoring the danger he poses going forward. Given his eye-catching performances, United will need to move quickly to sign the player at the end of the competition, with Roma also interested.
If Somerville were to join United, he could be eased into the starting XI rather than suddenly thrust into the starting XI, as Patrick Dorg has firmly established himself as first choice left winger since Carrick took the reins. The Dutchman could make an impact from the bench if called upon.
Carrick was spoiled for choice.
Carrick may be spoiled for choice when it comes to naming his starting XI for the opening game against Sergej Yakilovic’s side. It may mean some difficult decisions have to be made, but players like Somerville (if signed), Koby Mainu and Benjamin Sesco are set to play their part in the future and a well-stocked squad will be essential if they are to compete in some competitions this season.
Dream Manchester United starting XI against Hull City: Senne Lamence. Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw. Felix Nmeka, Ederson. Amado, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorg. Brian Mbeumo.
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