Michael Carrick breaks silence on Man Utd's transfer business: 'It doesn't always...'

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Michael Carrick is confident Manchester United can go toe-to-toe with their Premier League rivals despite spending less in the transfer market.

The Red Devils shelled out €173.2million (£148.8m) on Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer, while Karl Darlow joined on a free transfer.

In comparison, Manchester City spent €526.20m (£452.1m), Chelsea paid out €406.7m (£349.4m) and Arsenal dished out €227.1m (£195.1m).

Liverpool also spent €269.6m (£231.6m) on new players, while Tottenham Hotspur expended €366.3m (£314.7m) on fresh faces.

However, United boss Carrick insists spending money “doesn’t always have to be the answer” when pursuing the biggest prizes in football.

Asked about United’s modest transfer business, Carrick said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton: "I certainly feel we can compete [with our rivals].

“I think the challenge is just getting the right dynamics, getting the right balance, getting the right group together, getting the best players in the group to enhance the rest of the group.

“The actual amount of money in the end, I understand it can be a big thing. It doesn't always have to be the answer, but it can be.”

Carrick 'largely happy' despite missing out on left-back

United completed their most pressing task in the transfer window, signing Baleba, Santos and Tielemans as part of their planned midfield revamp.

There are sections of the United fanbase who are disappointed the club failed to sign a left-back, however - another priority this summer.

The 20-time league champions chased several candidates, including Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but were unable to get a deal over the line.

But Carrick has reiterated he is “largely happy” with the options he has available and says the club “made the most” of their resources.

“Money is one thing, what you do with it is another thing, how you make the most of it is another thing," Carrick continued.

“It's about what happens on the pitch at the end of the day, and we just keep giving what we can, giving our best, you know, and keep trying to win.”

United are looking to make it two Premier League wins in a row when they take on Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

Carrick's charges bounced back from their opening-day loss at Hull City by beating new boys Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford last Sunday.

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