Michael Carrick reckons Man Utd have a ‘good spine’ as his side launch Premier League title assault

MICHAEL CARRICK reckons Manchester United have a “good spine” as his side launch a Prem title assault. The Red Devils aim to show they have the backbone to challenge for a first crown since 2013. Michael Carrick is backing Manchester United to have a strong season Credit: Getty A new-look midfield is set to be strengthened by Carlos Baleba Credit: PA Boss Carrick has added central midfielder Youri Tielemans to his spine of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, centre-back Harry Maguire and skipper Bruno Fernandes. Ahead of Saturday’s Prem opener at Hull, Carrick said: “If you look at all the top teams over the ears, all the great teams, the spine is really strong. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! “So we’re conscious of that, and I think we’ve got a good spine right now. “The foundation of the team is important to be consistent — through one game from start to finish and over a period of time. “You need that solid foundation through the middle of the team. We are in a good place.” Carrick has brought in £35million Tielemans, 29, and 22-year-old Andrey Santos in a deal worth £50million. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, 22, is set to follow in a £150million midfield rebuild following the departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte. United have missed out on main targets as rivals Manchester City splashed out £116million on Elliot Anderson, while Tottenham forked out £85million on West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Carrick added: “We’re delighted with the two that we have brought in. “Two fantastic players who offer us different things. For the value, we feel we’ve done very well.” Baleba has been a long-term target for United after talks over a move last summer. An agreement has now been struck with attention turning to left-back for the rest of the window. Ticket + hotel room for Man Utd games GET tickets to see Man Utd at Old Trafford with our hand-picked deals. The packages include an official match ticket and an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. Man United Home Games⚽ 30 Aug v Ipswich — BOOK HERE⚽ 13 Sep v Manchester City — BOOK HERE⚽ 10 Oct v Tottenham Hotspur — BOOK HERE⚽ 24 Oct v Bournemouth — BOOK HERE⚽ 7 Nov v Aston Villa — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. 1 comment1