Michael Carrick’s choice to keep Manchester United within Europe for pre-season could turn out to be inspired thinking. The Old Trafford club completed their entire summer preparation schedule on the continent for the first time since 2002.
The Red Devils have travelled to destinations outside Europe every summer since 2003, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when coronavirus restrictions prevented such trips. Those excursions delivered mixed outcomes, as United finished runners-up in the Premier League while also reaching the last eight of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the Europa League final during the 2020/21 campaign.
The following season proved eventful. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback at Old Trafford, the team ended the league campaign in sixth position, were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage, from the FA Cup at the fourth-round stage and from the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage.
The club has traditionally ventured to America and Asia during pre-season because of the enormous support base in those areas and the substantial revenue generated. However, with players returning from World Cup involvement, the decision was taken to avoid lengthy transcontinental journeys that would require multiple long-distance trips.
This summer’s warm-up fixtures took place across Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and Poland, giving Carrick additional time on the training ground with his squad. For Sir Alex Ferguson, maintaining a European-only pre-season schedule back in 2002 proved remarkably shrewd, as the legendary Scottish manager guided the team to league glory that year.
While Carrick’s squad may not be considered title contenders this term, eliminating the constant international flying and gaining more preparation time on the training ground could benefit their season. The initial test of this strategy comes when United travel to face Hull City on Saturday afternoon in their opening league match.
Following that fixture, Erik ten Hag’s side welcome Ipswich Town to Old Trafford before encountering Everton, Manchester City and Fulham in succession ahead of the first international pause of the campaign. Carrick, speaking to the club’s official broadcaster following a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan, stated his team would be prepared for the clash at the MKM Stadium.
The former England international, 45 years of age, explained the squad contains quality options, which means difficult selection choices lie ahead. He noted the team would benefit from a full week of training to complete further preparations and would be ready for the following week, adding that the opening league fixture brings a distinct atmosphere and feeling. The players would take Sunday off before returning for the remainder of the week, with five days of varied training sessions scheduled, some more demanding and others more focused on recovery. The group would work through the programme together and emerge stronger, while also expressing anticipation at having the entire squad back at the training complex and ready for the campaign to begin.
Whether that beginning proves successful remains uncertain, but Carrick has done everything possible to maximise United’s chances when the competitive action resumes on Saturday.