There are a lot of positives for Carrick to take from a pre-season of five weeks and six games.
Two wins, two draws and two defeats might look average, but the benefits are clear.
There is huge potential in midfielder Andrey Santos for a start. One of three players – Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were the others – to start every game, the 22-year-old, £48m summer arrival from Chelsea impressed with his ability to rotate the ball, his positional discipline and communication.
Like Carrick himself, there is an assurance about Manchester United‘s other major signing, Youri Tielemans, that should spread through the team. There are already signs his link-up with skipper Bruno Fernandes could prove productive.
It was the energised and impactful version of Bryan Mbeumo from the first half of last season that has been on view, rather than the tired one that returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Heaven impressed in defence, Leny Yoro also, particularly at right-back. Amad Diallo did well in flashes when he returned from World Cup duty. The same is true of Shea Lacey, the 19-year-old academy star who clearly needs to be eased in gradually, but of whom so much is expected.
But there are issues.
Neither striker Benjamin Sesko, nor new goalkeeper Karl Darlow featured. Mason Mount, arguably the best player across the first three matches, was not involved again after being taken off as a ‘precaution’ following a blow to his foot early in the game against Paris St-Germain on 8 August.
Some players in Carrick’s squad in Poland this weekend are surplus to requirements.
Midfielder Toby Collyer filled in for Mount, but his future lies elsewhere. Club officials feel interest in him should be high.
Full-back Harry Amass was back-up to Luke Shaw, but the intention for him is also to leave, with sources feeling a loan is more likely than a permanent exit.
Of the more experienced members of Carrick’s squad, Joshua Zirkzee is hugely popular and has ability. However, he lacks consistency, or an obvious position in the squad, and Lacey was used ahead of him in the number 10 role at times.
If interest from Italy stacks up financially, it would seem to make sense for the former Bologna man to return to Serie A.
The Marcus Rashford situation needs clarity.
Sources have said the expectation is Rashford will stay at Old Trafford.
However, there remains a chance he will not, which is why Carrick and team-mates who have been asked about the England forward avoid offering a definitive judgement.
