The new season has brought renewed optimism at Manchester United after a strong end to their previous campaign (they finished third) under interim manager Michael Carrick — now given the role on a full-time basis — who is looking to kick things up a notch, starting with their tie against newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

“The run of form that we had last season gives us a lot of confidence. We’re pushing to make a step up as a group, and we have got the potential to do that,” said a confident Carrick.