Carrick can take plenty of encouragement from a five-week, six-game pre-season. The 2-2-2 record may look ordinary, but the positives stand out.
Midfielder Andrey Santos looks ready to start. One of three players—along with Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven—to begin every match, the 22-year-old £48m signing from Chelsea impressed with his ball circulation, positional discipline, and communication.
Like Carrick, Manchester United’s other headline addition, Youri Tielemans, brings a calm authority that should lift the group. Early signs of his partnership with captain Bruno Fernandes are promising.
Bryan Mbeumo has resembled the dynamic force from the first half of last season, not the fatigued version who returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Heaven stood out in defence, as did Leny Yoro, especially at right-back. Amad Diallo produced bright moments after returning from World Cup duty. The same goes for 19-year-old academy talent Shea Lacey, who needs to be eased in but carries high expectations.
There are concerns, though. Striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow did not feature. Mason Mount—arguably the standout across the first three games—has been sidelined since being withdrawn as a precaution after an early foot knock against Paris St-Germain on 8 August.
Some members of Carrick’s squad in Poland appear surplus. Toby Collyer filled in for Mount but is expected to move on, with the club anticipating strong interest. Full-back Harry Amass, deputy to Luke Shaw, is also set to leave, most likely on loan rather than permanently.
Among the more experienced players, Joshua Zirkzee is popular and talented but inconsistent and without a clear role; at times Lacey was preferred in the number 10 position. If financially suitable offers arrive from Italy, a return to Serie A for the former Bologna forward would make sense.
The Marcus Rashford situation still needs clarity. While the expectation is he will remain at Old Trafford, there is still a chance he could leave, which is why Carrick and his team-mates are avoiding definitive statements.