Manchester United have been extremely busy in the transfer window as they build towards the upcoming Premier League season
Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick has a monumental task on his hands(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has been warned that Manchester United will need a bigger squad to compete domestically and in Europe this season.
That is according to former manager Ruben Amorim, who previously claimed that his side was easier to control and keep in check thanks to their lack of Champions League football. The new AC Milan boss explained the club's view towards new signings while he was still in charge at Old Trafford.
Amorim said: "We always prepare two plans. With and without the Champions League. Without the Champions League, we also don't need a big squad.
"We can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan, that is to bring in some new players, but our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve the Academy.
Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim was clear about his thoughts on his United squad(Image: Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images)
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"It was the past, so it can be the future. It can't change much because of Financial Fair Play, we are not allowed to do much, even with the Champions League, so we are prepared."
Cut to this summer and Carrick has replaced Amorim, having led his team to a third-place finish in the Premier League last term, which means European football is back at Old Trafford. As a result, Carrick will need to add to his current squad in order to compete in various competitions.
United will vie for trophies in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. They were dumped out of he two domestic cup competitions early last season and Carrick will aim to avoid these shock exits during his reign.
Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 13, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Carrick will need a bigger squad to take into the upcoming season(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Carrick has been busy rejigging his squad for the new campaign over the last few weeks. United have signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Tynan Thompson and Karl Darlow so far, and are linked with more transfers, which should help them manage the workload that comes with competing on all fronts.
Manu Kone, Rafael Leao, Alex Scott and Lewis Hall have all been mentioned as possible targets in a list that will no doubt grow as the window goes on.
Exits are also on the cards with Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Radek Vitek all the subject of interest. Carrick will heed the warning of Amorim as he bids to bring silverware to Old Trafford in his debut season as permanent boss.