Carrick hypes ‘magical’ Champions return but derby timing ‘not ideal’

Michael Carrick is embracing the “magical” return of Manchester United to the Champions League, even as he admits the schedule makes things harder. Speaking to The Guardian, the former United winner in 2008 said the competition is where everyone wants to be and where you realise how special the nights can feel.

United face Sabah FA at Old Trafford after a two-year absence from Europe. Carrick framed it as more than a grand occasion: “We’re here to do business,” and if they want to go far, they need to test themselves against the best. He added that winning the Champions League was “the ultimate” and the best feeling he’s had—something he would like to experience again.

Return to Europe, derby comes fast

The main worry is timing. Carrick told The Guardian that playing on Thursday night is “not ideal” because the derby is on Sunday. Even so, he played down concerns about the turnaround, saying he’s “not concerned” and that they’ll simply have to deal with the cards they’re given.

The Guardian also highlights United’s broader situation: they’ve made a mixed start in the Premier League, taking four points from three games. The Champions period will be a real test for a club that played only 40 matches last season. And if United reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, there won’t be a free midweek until mid-January.

Recovery and squad notes

Manchester City’s visit on Sunday comes with an extra recovery window: The Guardian reports they’ll have two additional days after their game at Porto on Tuesday. In United’s camp, Luke Shaw didn’t train on Wednesday after being given an extra day of rest; Carrick said they’ll assess him “by tomorrow” and that it isn’t an ongoing issue.