Carrick is set to experience the consequences of United securing a place in the Champions League.
During the second half of last season, United played only two midweek fixtures. They drew away to West Ham and were beaten at Newcastle, before having breaks of 13 and 11 days ahead of their following matches.
That luxury has now disappeared.
Beginning with the visit to Everton, United face five matches across 16 days before the campaign’s first international break.
Should Carrick’s team advance in the EFL Cup, they will not have another free midweek before Christmas.
Changes will therefore be unavoidable in United’s reshaped midfield this season, raising questions about how Carrick will manage his options.
When discussing the club’s new arrivals, Carrick repeatedly highlights the importance of balance.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro departed when his contract expired, while Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte, who was already expected to leave before sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the World Cup, will remain unavailable until next year.
As a result, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount were United’s only experienced central midfield choices at the start of the summer transfer window, although Fernandes and Mount are generally more effective further forward.
After failing to recruit Elliott Anderson or Mateus Fernandes, United acted swiftly to bring Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m. The following day, 29-year-old Belgian Youri Tielemans completed a £35m move from Aston Villa.
Santos, 22, formed a promising partnership with Mount in the opening pre-season fixtures, operating in a deeper position and providing protection for the defence.
Mount featured as a number eight and appeared capable of keeping that position for the new season, but an unfortunately timed injury in early August offered another reminder of his difficult fitness history.
Tielemans, meanwhile, appeared to use pre-season to build a stronger understanding with captain Fernandes.
Carrick told reporters at the team’s training camp in County Kildare that Santos had adapted remarkably well for such a young player, praising his character and personality.
He described Santos as positive, mature and attentive, adding that the midfielder is eager to improve and immediately began supporting his team-mates, communicating during matches and showing impressive strength of character.
Carrick said Tielemans was a more familiar addition because of his extensive experience, but likewise praised his personality, authority and technical ability.
He believes the two midfield recruits can make a major contribution to United in the seasons ahead.
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