Arabic version: مانشستر يونايتد يواجه اختبار كاريك على مدار موسم كامل

According to The Guardian, Manchester United have found a degree of dressing-room stability under Michael Carrick, but the manager’s strongest test will come across a full campaign. Carrick recorded 12 wins and three draws in 17 games last season, a return that left the club’s board with little choice but to appoint him. The task now is different, with United potentially playing 15 more matches than they did in 2025-26.

The report says Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have strengthened an area that needed improvement. A left-back is considered likely to arrive before the end of the month, while United may also need another high-class, experienced central defender. Marcus Rashford has returned from loan at Barcelona and has two years remaining on his contract; his future is unclear, although he could bring dynamism and finishing from the left. The squad may not be ready to win the title, but it should be capable of qualifying for the Champions League.

Questions remain over whether Carrick can manage the demands of two games a week and a squad facing fatigue comparable to its opponents. The club must also avoid reacting too sharply to either setbacks or an encouraging start. The Guardian said realistic assessments and clarity of thought are key challenges for a side seeking to regain former heights.

The article also examined the Premier League’s approach to VAR and newly promoted teams. The league has adopted the ability for VAR to overturn a second yellow card that results in a red, but not wider changes involving corner kicks and certain attacking fouls. Regulations intended to reduce timewasting include quicker substitutions, 60-second absences for treated players and a five-second clock on throw-ins and goal kicks. Coventry, Ipswich and Hull face a difficult fight to stay up, with Ipswich’s recent Premier League experience and signings offering some hope.