Jamie Carragher Man Utd criticism continued despite a convincing Champions League return, with the former Liverpool defender questioning whether Michael Carrick’s squad can seriously challenge Europe’s elite.
MANCHESTER: Jamie Carragher Man Utd criticism has delivered a reality check after Michael Carrick’s side celebrated their Champions League return with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford.
United marked their first appearance in Europe’s premier club competition in almost three years with goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez.
United make perfect Champions League return
Sabah initially frustrated the hosts before Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute from Patrick Dorgu’s delivery.
Fernandes and Sesko struck before half-time to put United firmly in control, before Martinez added a fourth after the break.
The result provided a timely boost for Carrick after an uneven start to the Premier League season, where United have won only one of their opening three matches.
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Carragher questions United’s European credentials
Despite the comfortable victory, Carragher remains unconvinced that United currently possess enough quality and squad depth to mount a serious challenge for the Champions League.
His assessment reflects the significant difference between comfortably beating competition newcomers and competing consistently against Europe’s strongest clubs during the latter stages.
The Jamie Carragher Man Utd verdict also places greater scrutiny on Carrick, who secured the permanent managerial position in May after guiding United to third place in the Premier League during his interim spell.
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Carrick faces bigger tests ahead
Carragher has separately questioned whether Carrick has the managerial experience and distinctive qualities required to return United to the very top of English and European football.
Carrick transformed the team’s fortunes after taking interim charge last season, winning 12 of 17 league matches and securing Champions League qualification.
However, a defeat against newly promoted Hull City and a draw with Everton have already tempered expectations this season.
Manchester derby offers immediate reality check
United will not have to wait long for a tougher examination.
Carrick’s side host Manchester City on Sunday, with the derby likely to provide a clearer indication of their progress than the comfortable European opener.
City have made a perfect start under new manager Enzo Maresca, while United are expected to welcome Marcus Rashford back after he was rested against Sabah.
Martinez has playful response for Carragher
There was also a lighter confrontation after the match.
Martinez, who scored United’s fourth goal, playfully teased Carragher during his post-match appearance on CBS Sports. Carragher previously questioned whether the Argentine defender was tall enough to succeed in the Premier League, criticism he has since acknowledged was wrong.
Impact to expect
Carragher’s warning will increase attention on United’s performances against stronger opposition, with upcoming domestic and European matches likely to reveal whether Carrick’s rebuilt team can progress from Champions League participants to genuine contenders.
