Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes his squad is strong enough to compete with Europe’s top clubs as the Red Devils return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.
Carrick secured the permanent United job after guiding the club to third place in the Premier League during his interim spell last season.
United begin their Champions League league-phase campaign on Thursday when they host Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford.
Carrick described the competition as the pinnacle of European club football and urged his players to embrace the opportunity.
“It’s a magical competition. It’s where we all want to be. When you’re out of it, you realise how special it is and when you’re in it, you want to make the most of it,” Carrick told reporters on Wednesday.
The former United midfielder said the club’s objective was not simply to participate but to make a deep run in the competition.
“We’re delighted to be here, but we’re not here to just enjoy the occasion. We’re here to do business and go as far as we possibly can.”
United have struggled in recent Champions League campaigns, exiting at the group stage in two of their last three appearances. They have also failed to reach the last 16 since 2019.
Their return to Europe’s elite competition comes after a slow start to the current Premier League campaign, with United collecting just four points from matches against Hull, Ipswich and Everton.
However, Carrick can take encouragement from his side’s record against some of the league’s strongest teams. United defeated Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea during the second half of last season.
Carrick remains confident that his squad can rise to the demands of European football.
“I think we’re capable of doing some really good things in this competition and going further down the line in this competition,” he said.
He cautioned against getting carried away, acknowledging that the Champions League will be a new experience for some members of the squad.
“But the boys are used to playing European football for the most part in different competitions and we’ll take that forward and we’ve got a squad that’s strong enough to compete.”
Unlike several Premier League rivals who spent heavily during the transfer window, United made limited additions, strengthening their midfield.
The club also benefited from a relatively light schedule last season, playing just 40 matches, their lowest total since the 1914/15 campaign.
Carrick, however, said his players must be prepared for the increased workload that comes with competing in Europe.
“We play Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday and it’s what we’re here for. It’s about managing the group and having trust in everyone able to play,” he said.
United could also welcome Benjamin Sesko into the starting XI after the striker came off the bench to score in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Everton.
Carrick also confirmed that defender Matthijs de Ligt is nearing a return to action after almost a year on the sidelines with a back injury.
With the Champions League back at Old Trafford, Carrick will hope United can translate their strong performances against top Premier League opposition into a successful European campaign.
