Michael Carrick, the manager of Manchester United, has dismissed suggestions that the team’s opening two games against Hull and Ipswich represent a favourable start to the season. United will travel to Hull for their opening match on Saturday before hosting Ipswich a week later. Both sides were promoted from the Championship last season, and Carrick believes that neither game will be easy for his team.

‘For all of us to know this league, there’s no favourable start, I think it’s a tough start,’ Carrick said in an interview. ‘A promoted team away from home is a tough game. I’ve been involved in them in the past so I’m fully aware of what’s coming at us on Saturday, what we’ve got to be ready for.’

Carrick, who guided United to third place last season after taking interim charge in January, is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He became permanent manager four months later on the back of his success in the role. When asked if leading United to the title this season is a realistic ambition, Carrick was cautious in his response.

‘It is going to be a jump,’ he said. ‘I would never say we can’t – I don’t believe that. But it’s about what we are capable of doing as a group. The run of form we had last season gives us a lot of confidence, but we know there is a whole new step to make. We are pushing to do that. It’s exciting. We have the potential to achieve things and we will definitely give it everything we can.’

United are also hopeful of signing the midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for less than £75m and remain in the market for a left-back. ‘We are looking to strengthen the squad, working towards that,’ Carrick said. ‘We are trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it and are in a good way to doing that so far.’

Mason Mount’s availability for the trip to Hull is in the balance due to a knock. The midfielder is a key player for United, and his absence would be a significant blow to the team’s chances of success.

Carrick’s comments highlight the challenges that lie ahead for Manchester United as they begin their new season. Despite the team’s ambitions, they will face stiff competition from other teams in the league, and Carrick is aware of the need to be realistic about their chances.