Nevertheless, Mbeumo showed no signs of any rustiness with one outrageously cheeky, clever scooped effort, Benjamin Sesko showed the sort of confidence in front of goal that comes with having three goals from his last two outings and Bruno Fernandes supplied a couple of astounding finishes.
Carrick had time for all his players, putting an arm around Casemiro at one point and having a chat with another South American, in Lisandro Martinez, towards the end.
Meanwhile, a shooting competition was arranged, with Fernandes, characteristically, not needing a second invitation to have a go. Three goals in a row were the aim, as those involved worked in pairs. Matheus Cunha was particularly effusive about one strike from his partner, Lacey, but a combination of outstanding saves and the woodwork ensured the game became more and more competitive, and faster!
Ultimately, it was left to Fernandes and Tyler Fletcher to claim the spoils, which, naturally, delighted the skipper.