Manchester United have not lifted the Premier League since 2012-13, but defender Harry Maguire insists belief is growing in the camp that the wait could end this season under Michael Carrick.

Maguire backs title push

Heading into his eighth season at Old Trafford, the 33-year-old has collected the EFL Cup and FA Cup, finished as Europa League runner-up twice and endured periods out of favour under Erik ten Hag before being recalled by Ruben Amorim.

Maguire flourished under Carrick at the end of last term. After returning to the club in January following Amorim’s departure, no Premier League side won more games (12) or scored more goals (33) than Carrick’s United, powering the Red Devils to third place and a return to the Champions League.

"We want to improve on last season. Everyone wants to win the Premier League, of course that is going to be our aim, that’s what this club demands," Maguire said. "We have the belief we can be really competitive, and we can beat anyone on our day. It’s going to be an exciting season."

The centre-back added: "During my time at the club, we’ve had some close groups – no doubt this is one of the closest. Spending time together and winning football matches brings teams closer. Losing that Europa League final, finishing 15th to finishing third and putting the club back in the Champions League, it was a good season, but we can’t stop here."

Opening day at Hull

United begin the new Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium. The Tigers are back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17 and have made 11 summer signings, headlined by full-back Nobel Mendy and goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic is still targeting reinforcements before the window closes. A move for Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is in doubt after an abductor injury sustained in pre-season.

"It’s difficult because Tim is injured," Jakirovic said. "We agreed everything between Everton and the player, but in the last game he got an abductor [injury]. It’s a minimum of six weeks, so I don’t know. Maybe we will take another player because we need players right now. We don’t have time."

Players to watch

Hull – Nobel Mendy: The Rayo Vallecano left-back was one of two record-breaking signings this summer. Last season he ranked second in Vallecano’s squad for aerial duels won (41) and made 163 clearances, behind only Florian Lejeune (316).

Man United – Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes set a new Premier League record for assists in a single campaign last season with 21, adding nine goals. He became the first United player to be involved in 30+ goals in two different Premier League campaigns, also registering 30 in 2020-21.

History and Opta

United have never lost a top-flight fixture against a newly promoted side on the opening day (W9 D3) and have won their first Premier League game on 22 occasions, the most of any side. Hull are winless in ten Premier League meetings with United (D2 L8).

Opta win probability for Saturday’s game: Hull 12.9%, Draw 19%, Man United 68.1%.