Man United boss Michael Carrick plays down talk of a Premier League title challenge – and says it is ‘ridiculous’ to suggest they have an easy start against Hull and Ipswich

Michael Carrick says it’s ‘ridiculous’ to suggest Manchester United have been handed an easy start to the season – and admits it’s asking a lot for his team to be considered title challengers.

United kick off the campaign at Hull City on Saturday lunchtime followed by a first home game against another of the newly-promoted teams, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford the following week.

But Carrick has rejected claims that United have been given an easy ride, saying: ‘There are no favourable starts. It’s an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous.

‘It’s a tough start against both teams, but we’re not getting past Saturday. A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game.

‘That is the beauty of the new season. For teams coming up into the league, there tend to be quite a few changes. That is the challenge playing against them, we are fully aware of that. Mentally and physically we have done a lot of work. We are fully aware of what’s at stake and what’s coming at us.’

On United’s chances of delivering a first Premier League title since 2013 while coping with the demands of a Champions League return, Carrick added: ‘It’s going to be a jump. It doesn’t matter whether I say whether we can or can’t – and I would never say we can’t – it’s about what we can do, and what we are capable of doing as a group.

‘The run of form we had last season gives us confidence, but we know there is a whole new step to make as a group. We have the potential to achieve things and we have to believe we can do good things.’

United hope to add a third midfield signing of the summer after tabling a £65million offer for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, having already spent £85m on Andrey Santos, of Chelsea, and Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans. The club are also keen to strengthen at left-back.

Carrick was reluctant to say too much with another 11 days to go until the transfer window closes. ‘I just think we are looking to strengthen the squad, and we are working towards that,’ he said. ‘We’re certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it, and I think we are in a good way to doing that so far.’

Marcus Rashford’s return from a loan spell at Barcelona has given United another option, and Carrick has been delighted with the England international’s attitude so far.

‘It has been pretty obvious that Marcus came back training with Kobbie (Mainoo) and Licha (Martinez) that he has come back fantastically well,’ added the United boss. ‘He looks strong, sharp and ready to play football. He can play through the middle, even though it’s not his No 1 position. We have forwards that give us that flexibility.’

Carrick had some positive injury news with Mason Mount close to fitness after missing the final two friendlies against Leeds and AC Milan with a foot injury. Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs De Ligt and new No 2 goalkeeper Karl Darlow, none of whom featured in pre-season, are also back in training.

‘Karl has trained this week, he is in good shape,’ said Carrick. ‘Mattha has been out for a long period of time, but he is training, and it’s great to have him back. He won’t be involved but he is in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that is a bonus for us. Ben is back training so that is another positive and we’re looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes.

‘We’re managing Mason a little bit, but he is very close. He’s touch and go for the weekend really and going into next week. Mason will be back very, very soon, if not immediately, so it’s all good.’