Manchester United's Spending Falls Short of Newly Promoted Ipswich, but Carrick Remains Confident of Winning the Title; Executive Says Profit and Trophies Can Coexist

This summer, Manchester United spent £150 million on new signings, a figure that was even lower than newly promoted Ipswich Town. Among the Premier League's six major clubs, the Red Devils are also the only team that has never spent £100 million on a single player. However, manager Carrick and chief executive Omar Berrada both believe that a team which spends less can still win the title.

On Friday night, Liverpool's attacking trio of Isak, Barcola and Wirtz each had transfer fees exceeding £100 million. In comparison, Manchester United's most expensive signing this summer was Carlos Baleba, whose transfer fee was £70 million.

Some fans are unhappy that Manchester United did not sign a backup left-back and striker, leaving Carrick's squad with obvious weaknesses that could cause problems during the season due to injuries, suspensions or other factors. Carrick denied that the club's hierarchy imposed spending restrictions on summer recruitment.

Carrick insisted that building a successful team is not only about money, and he believes Manchester United have the ability to compete for the Premier League title. However, Carrick also acknowledged that money could play a decisive role. "I do believe Manchester United can win the title," Carrick said. "The challenge is finding the right team combination and squad balance, allowing the best players to improve those around them, whether they are experienced players or younger ones."

"As far as I know, the actual amount of money is important, but it is not necessarily the key to solving the problem," Carrick said. "The final amount spent, I know that can be an important factor. It is not necessarily the deciding factor, but it can also play a decisive role."

Manchester United's weekend opponents Everton did not have an ideal summer window, especially failing to complete a late signing of the striker wanted by David Moyes, which could help the Red Devils in this Premier League match. However, everything has two sides, and Ndiaye, the winger sold by the Toffees to Manchester City, will challenge Carrick's team's defense in the next Manchester derby.

"That is how things are. I think we know what we have and what we can achieve. Money is one thing, but how you use it and get the maximum value from it is another," Carrick added. "Obviously, some teams have progressed more slowly than us. We have been working together here for around eight months, and some players joined a little later than I did. But we all need to make the effort to get the best out of the team. We have an excellent group of players who have repeatedly shown they can achieve good results, perform well and win matches in different stadiums and environments."

The last time Manchester United visited Hill Dickinson Stadium, Carrick was in charge and the team defeated Everton 1-0. Carrick said: "Our team is full of energy and passion, which is really encouraging. The players have a strong desire to achieve good results. I am pleased that the players feel this way and are full of confidence. Recent results have been an important factor in giving these talented players that confidence."

Carrick reminded Manchester United players: "They understand how much effort is required. Last season we only had the Premier League, while this season we have to face more matches. However, our team strength has improved, so we are confident about the future. We certainly know the challenges ahead. Rome was not built in a day, but I believe we are moving in the right direction, and that is inevitable."

Fans and English media believe Manchester United's debt has restricted the club's transfer budget. Some financial figures calculated that since the Glazer family bought the club in 2005, Manchester United's interest payments alone have reached £852 million. The club currently owes £1.29 billion, including some installment-based transfer fees.

Manchester United reissued bonds in June this year, taking on an additional £91.92 million in debt. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not yet explained how funding for the construction of a new stadium will be raised. The project is expected to cost more than £2 billion and could further increase the club's debt.

However, Manchester United president Berrada insisted that the club can pursue trophies while controlling debt and achieving its stadium construction goals. "We have proven that even with debt burdens, Manchester United can still achieve profitability and, more importantly, win trophies," Berrada said. "As management, our responsibility is to maintain competitiveness through a sustainable financial structure. We plan to build a new stadium, but we must move forward in a way that keeps the team competitive."

Berrada said confidently: "We must maintain a high level of discipline, continue making the right decisions on the pitch, ensure we always give our full effort, build the new stadium while carrying debt, and most importantly, win as many trophies as possible."

Carrick also agreed: "Playing for Manchester United means you have to strive to win titles. That is the state we want to reach, and we hope to maintain that level consistently. I do not want to keep looking back, but they all know how to build that kind of momentum together. We are confident in our chances of winning trophies."