Carrick refuses to set a deadline for Manchester United’s return to the top

Carrick keeps United’s title ambition open-ended

Michael Carrick has declined to put a deadline on Manchester United’s return to the top of the Premier League, despite chief executive Omar Berrada’s stated ambition to win the title within the next two seasons.

“The goal, being at this football club, the goal is always to win,” Carrick said. “There’s no timeframe on that from my perspective. It’s as soon as we possibly can.” He said United were still taking steps towards that objective, describing a league title as a “massive step” and insisting it remained something the club was striving for.

Berrada has previously linked the club’s ambitions to Project 150, a target to win the league by 2028, the year Manchester United reach their 150th anniversary. Carrick did not endorse that specific timetable, saying the club was trying to build towards a position it had not occupied for too long and might need to follow different paths to get there.

United seek a response before trip to Leeds

The manager’s comments come amid a difficult start to the campaign. United have won two of their first nine matches in all competitions and have gone four Premier League games without a win. Carrick said he relished the responsibility and challenge, calling the job “the best” he could have and saying he loved the situation of having to find a way through a struggle.

United visit Leeds on Sunday, with Elland Road expected to provide a hostile atmosphere. Carrick rejected the suggestion that the fixture was especially unwelcome for a team short of form. He said he was looking forward to the match and remained focused on what was required to win games and get the players performing to their capabilities.

“I understand the reality,” Carrick said, while adding that he did not go looking for negativity. He maintained that the team was not far from the level it believed it could reach.