A sense of anticipation and a nervous excitement is beginning to surface around Manchester and throughout the homes of one of football’s most beloved institutions.
Ninety days will have passed since United dismissed Brighton when Darren England signals kickoff in Hull, marking the beginning of another crucial Premier League campaign for the Reds.
Not only will Michael Carrick’s side aim to pick up where they left off in May, but this group will also hope to lay down a marker of intent for the rest of the division.
Although pre-season ended with a limp in defeat against AC Milan, there were plenty of summer positives to provide optimism within the fanbase.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans showcased their qualities in midfield, and Bryan Mbeumo appears to have recaptured his confidence in a free-flowing attack.
But there are many variables to consider ahead of Saturday afternoon’s 12:30 kickoff at the MKM Stadium, and each offers a jolt of adrenaline for an expectant audience.
Will Bruno Fernandes maintain his league-leading creativity? How will Senne Lammens and Kobbie Mainoo respond to difficult experiences at the World Cup? And can Amad rekindle his goalscoring touch?
For Luke Shaw, now the longest-serving player across consecutive years in the division, something special is building at Carrington.
“I think you always have the same feeling,” the 31-year-old told MUTV. “Every year is the same. There is always the same hunger, the same excitement every pre-season, but, you know, I feel really, really positive about this season, with the group, with the manager.
“I’ve experienced different groups, different atmospheres, but I would certainly say this is the most positive, happiest and probably [most] talented group that we’ve had.”
So much of this positivity has flourished since Carrick took the reins in January, cementing a formidable shift in fortunes alongside Steve Holland and a talented coaching department.
The former midfielder oversaw an extraordinary 70.6 per cent winning return from 17 fixtures, enduring only two defeats en route to a third-placed finish.
Unsurprisingly, the United chief maintained his usual calm demeanour when speaking with the media on Thursday, reiterating the qualities of his entire first-team squad.
But injuries, or a lack of them, will play a critical role from start to finish, and the 45-year-old appeared calm when identifying those currently unavailable.
“Ben’s [Sesko] back training, so that’s, again, another positive,” Carrick revealed. “Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.
“And then [we’re] managing Mason [Mount] a little bit, but he’s very close, so it’s touch and go for the weekend, really, if not, going into next week.
“He’s picked up a little bit of a knock; it’s no dramas. Maybe it’s been a week or so, or 10 days or whatever it’s been. So, it’s nothing major. Yeah, of course, he’s missed some football over recent years, and he wants to be fit, he wants to be in that full rhythm, and he wants to stay fit.
“So, we’re doing our best to help him do that, but he’s a top player, Mase. It’s the same as the squad; we’ve got to manage the squad. There are going to be injuries through the season.”
United have faced Hull 33 times in all competitions, earning 22 wins since Jack Picken scored the only goal in a 1-0 Division Two victory in 1905.
The sides last played out a scoreless draw in a domestic setting at Old Trafford in February 2017, with Carrick dictating play from his usual standing in midfield.
Promisingly, United haven’t lost an opening-day Premier League fixture to a newly-promoted side, winning nine and drawing three.
Regardless of history, the travelling contingent will expect an assured display against the newly-promoted Tigers, setting the tone for what will hopefully be a defining campaign for this group.
An early kickoff will provide a headache for many global supporters, with some well-known troops set for a 4:30 start. Let’s hope it’ll be worth it, folks.
Up the Reds!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo via manutd.com.
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