Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic thinks Michael Carrick has restored Manchester United’s traditional identity, ahead of their encounter with the United manager at the weekend.
The Tigers play host to the 13-time English top-flight champions at a full MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the opening fixture of the campaign, with the home side aiming to pull off a surprise result against opponents widely regarded as candidates for a top-four finish at minimum.
The two sides have not faced each other since a goalless encounter at Old Trafford, when Carrick was operating in United’s midfield under Jose Mourinho, a period during which the Manchester club found it difficult to make progress either domestically or in European competition.
United make the trip to East Yorkshire for the first occasion since a 2-1 League Cup reverse in 2017, carrying the usual weight of scrutiny and standards associated with one of England’s elite institutions.
Carrick, who returned for a second tenure in charge at Old Trafford in January after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, was given the role on a permanent basis during the summer after overseeing 11 victories from 16 matches to secure qualification for the Champions League, and now faces expectations of mounting a serious challenge near the summit of the division.
The Croatian said to Hull Live that Carrick has demonstrated considerable promise and revitalised United’s characteristic approach from earlier years. He explained that the squad now understands the magnitude of the club they represent and consistently harbour ambitions of victory, with the team fully behind their manager. This performance is why the position was retained and a fresh contract was agreed, and Jakirovic anticipates United will compete for fourth or fifth place.