Michael Carrick won 12 out of his 15 games in charge of Manchester United last season
Michael Carrick got on the front foot to dismiss the first of a couple of themes that have run though Manchester United's build-up to the new season.
'Ridiculous', was how Carrick assessed the feeling his side have been given a favourable start to the campaign.
A trip to play-off winners Hull is followed by an Old Trafford encounter with another newly promoted side in Ipswich.
"It's not favourable," said Carrick. "It's an easy thing to throw out there but it's pretty ridiculous.
"It's a tough start; both teams. I am not getting past Saturday. I'm fully aware of what's coming at us."
Carrick also addressed the other issue; the agitation among United's fanbase about a lack of further signings since Youri Tielemans' £35m move from Aston Villa was completed on 14 July.
Talks are continuing with Brighton over Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba but a deal is still to be agreed.
It is widely accepted relying on Luke Shaw, as the club's only orthodox left-back, to retain fitness as he did last season would be a huge gamble.
"We are looking to strengthen the squad," said Carrick. "We are certainly working towards that."
As it turns out, historically, United supporters really shouldn't be surprised at having to wait for transfer business to be concluded – and if they look back at past campaigns, they might be advised to temper expectations around early season results as well.
Only twice before in the Premier League era have Manchester United's opening two fixtures been against newly promoted sides.
On neither occasion did Sir Alex Ferguson's side begin with two victories.
They came from behind twice to beat Fulham in August 2001 but needed a late David Beckham equaliser to get a 2-2 draw at Blackburn.
Eight years later, despite reaching the Champions League final three months earlier, a single Wayne Rooney goal was all they could manage against Birmingham before they were beaten at Turf Moor by a Burnley side who came up through the playoffs, as Hull did last season.
