Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has pushed back against the idea that his team has an easy start in the Premier League. He called these claims "pretty ridiculous."
United kicks off their season against Championship play-off winners Hull on Saturday. They will then host newly promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford on 30 August.
Some fans think these matches will help United get off to a strong start. They believe this momentum could carry over from last season when the team finished third. This success also led to Carrick being named head coach permanently.
But Carrick thinks playing against newly promoted teams, especially away from home, will be a tough task.
As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, Carrick said, "A newly promoted team away from home is a tough game." He added, "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."
Carrick continued, "It’s not favourable. It’s an easy thing to throw out there but it’s pretty ridiculous. I’m not taking it that way at all."
He is expecting a challenging first match against Hull. Carrick has told his players to take the game seriously.
After Hull, United will face Ipswich in their first home league match of the season. Carrick is determined to keep his team focused and avoid any complacency. He wants to make sure they are ready, despite the talk that the opening fixtures are easy.
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