Michael Carrick lays out Man Utd's 'always open' transfer plan ahead of deadline day

Michael Carrick believes he has a stronger squad and a more capable side following the summer’s transfer activity, but he remains hopeful of adding further reinforcements before Tuesday's 11pm deadline. United have brought in goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba for a combined £155million, yet they could still move for an additional left‑back while also seeking a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch forward was an unused substitute against Ipswich but is widely expected to depart before the window closes, with Fiorentina leading the race to sign him on loan. Carrick has a versatile attacking unit further boosted by the return of Marcus Rashford but United do appear light in the left‑back position.

The club have abandoned their pursuit of Lewis Hall from Newcastle but may seek a short-term fix before Tuesday's 11pm deadline. Noussair Mazraoui came off the bench to replace Luke Shaw against Ipswich, though he is a natural right-back and serves as cover for Diogo Dalot.

"It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left," Carrick said when quizzed on whether he anticipated further squad additions.

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"I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with

"I think we're a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team. Adding Marcus into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we're quite happy.

"We're always open to if there's something else to be able to add, so I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see."

United are back in Premier League action next Sunday, facing Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (2pm).