In Manchester United, everything revolves around Bruno Fernandes and it’s not something new. The Portuguese playmaker has been the club’s best player for years now, as years of bad recruitment and decisions left the famous club with only one true star, but this season, Michael Carrick will try to preserve his best player. Or at least he would like to do it. Due to last year’s good season, the Red Devils are finally back into the Champions League, which means they will compete in four fronts. The soon to be 32-year old captain has so far missed six games through injury or illness, and only a handful of times being named on the bench for a Premier League game since he arrived in 2020.Tough job for Man United – Bruno rejected first offer for a new contractBut Carrick will try to change that.“I’ve said quite a lot about Bruno, he’s been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and had a huge impact, so he’ll continue to do that. In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he’s in good shape. But yeah, there’s the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well. So Bruno’s part of that. He’s a big player for us, he’s obviously our captain, but there’s still elements where we need to look after him” said Carrick.At last – Baleba! United closing in on Cameroonian's move to Old TraffordAs for the start of the season, the captain will play for sure, especially since United have one of the easiest schedules ever, as they play against two newcomers, Hull, and Ipswich.“There are no favourable starts. It’s an easy thing to throw out there but pretty ridiculous. It’s a tough start against both teams, but we’re not getting past Saturday. A newly-promoted team away from home will be a tough game. Mentally and physically we have done a lot of work. We are fully aware of what’s at stake and what’s coming at us” said Carrick.BETTING GUIDE: Hull vs Manchester United, match preview, team news and predictionAs for Fernandes, he will get help from his manager for sure. Unlike, last season, when getting a proper forwards was the priority (Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo), this season the Red Devils decided to concentrate on the midfield and already spend 75 million pounds on two players (Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos). But soon they will add the third one, as a deal has finally being struck with Brighton for Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian midfielder has arrived for his medical ahead of a 70 million pounds move, but his debut will not come this week.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 1FridayArsenal – Coventry 3-0 (2-0)/Havertz 15, Saka 23, Odegaard 49/Saturday14.30: (8.50) Hull (4.80) Manchester United (1.43)17.00: (2.25) Everton (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.40)17.00: (2.80) Ipswich (3.25) Sunderland (2.60)17.00: (2.35) Nottingham Forest (3.45) Leeds (3.20)19.30: (2.50) Brentford (3.50) Tottenham (2.95)Sunday16.00: (2.30) Brighton (3.50) Aston Villa (3.25)16.00: (1.53) Manchester City (5.00) Bournemouth (6.00)18.30: (3.90) Newcastle (3.70) Liverpool (2.00)Monday22.00: (3.70) Fulham (3.80) Chelsea (2.00)***odds are subject to change***
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