Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick believes his side are moving in the right direction after the Red Devils held Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday.
United were given an early test against the reigning European champions, conceding just two minutes into the game when Ibrahim Mbaye put PSG ahead. The French side’s lead, however, was short-lived as Bryan Mbeumo continued his impressive pre-season form by restoring parity for Carrick’s side in the 32nd minute.
The result extended what has been an encouraging build-up to the new campaign for United, who have already recorded a convincing victory over Rosenborg and defeated Atletico Madrid before facing PSG. The meeting with the Champions League holders provided Carrick with another opportunity to assess his squad against elite opposition.
More importantly, the fixture marked the gradual return of several senior players who had been given an extended break following their involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Noussair Mazraoui was handed his first appearance since returning from the tournament, while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were among the returning players named on the bench.
For Carrick, having those players back represents an important stage in United’s preparations. The former United midfielder has had to manage a fragmented squad during pre-season, with players returning at different times because of their international commitments.
He is now looking forward to having the group together as preparations move into the final stages.
Carrick Welcomes Returning World Cup Stars
Speaking after the draw, Carrick admitted that the unusual nature of United’s pre-season had made preparations challenging but said he was encouraged by the progress being made. “It’s been a little bit of a different chapter through pre-season, but to get everybody together when we get to Dublin and over the next couple of days, it’ll be great,” Carrick said.
The United boss was particularly pleased to see some of his returning senior players involved against PSG. Fernandes, Dalot and new signing Youri Tielemans were all included in the matchday squad, with Fernandes, Dalot and Tielemans eventually coming off the bench as Carrick gradually increased the involvement of his returning players.
Carrick believes their presence can give United an additional lift as the squad moves closer to full strength.
“I think today, the boys coming off the bench towards the end, the extra bit of quality and coming back from the World Cup. Top, top players. It was nice to have them back and we’ll get more back next week.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
Dublin Offers Carrick Chance To Build Momentum
United will now turn their attention to the next phase of their preparations, with Carrick expecting more members of his squad to return and play a greater role.
The Red Devils are scheduled to face Leeds United at Croke Park in Dublin on Wednesday, August 12, as part of their pre-season programme. The fixture will give Carrick another opportunity to bring his squad together before the start of the competitive campaign.
The PSG draw was particularly useful because of the quality of the opposition. United were able to test themselves against the reigning Champions League winners while also integrating players who had only recently returned from their World Cup commitments.
Carrick, however, is refusing to treat the encouraging signs as evidence that the work is complete. With more players still to return and the new season approaching, he knows there is considerable room for improvement.
But the United head coach is satisfied with the direction of travel. “Yes, we’re in a good place,” Carrick said.
The game therefore represented more than just another pre-season fixture. For Carrick, it was another step towards assembling a complete squad, integrating his returning stars and developing the team he hopes can compete strongly when the new season begins.
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