Carrick expresses his satisfaction with Manchester United’s signings despite spending less than competitors

Manchester United coach Michael Carrick expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the competing club in the English Premier League during the transfer period and with the team’s lineup, even though his spending was less than the competing clubs.

United reportedly spent 155 million pounds ($209.23 million) to sign midfielders Andre Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Paleba, and also included goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer.

However, the club has not signed a left-back or striker, despite reports that the club is looking to strengthen both positions, to provide alternatives to both Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sisko.

Carrick told reporters, on Friday, before his team visited Everton on Sunday: “We entered the transfer period and we want to emerge from it stronger than we were last season. We strengthened our lineup, and we did a good job. The situation is what it is financially and in terms of the resources available to us. “I am very happy with the players we signed, and I am completely satisfied with the quality and level we have reached.”

Reports stated that Manchester United's net spending exceeded just over 100 million pounds ($134.99 million) during the summer transfer period, while the main competing clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, spent larger sums on new signings.

Carrick also refused to suggest that the club was operating under restrictions, instead stressing the importance of making the most of available resources.

He said: “I did not say ‘restrictions’.” It is our current situation. Whatever the amount, we want to make the most of it. For what we spent, we made the most of it, without a doubt, thanks to the players we signed. “I just focus on our team and what we can do, and on making the most of what is available.”

Carrick also played down concerns about squad depth, saying each team must adapt to the resources available as they seek to achieve their long-term goals.

United had a shaky start this season, as they began their league campaign with a surprise defeat against newly promoted Hull City, before responding with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Carrick said: “When you are in the process of building a team and going through a period where we are trying to reach the top, you have to take steps. We have a long way to go, and we must ensure that we continue to improve, and in the end we want to reach the position we aspire to.”