Domestic and European challenge a step too far for Michael Carrick and Manchester United? 

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick ahead of a pre season match at Croke Park.

Even Michael Carrick has admitted that it takes a significant leap of faith to think Manchester United can become Premier League champions this season.

But there is a growing belief at Old Trafford ahead of the trip to newly promoted Hull City, that if the club provide Carrick with the right type of investment before the transfer window closes, then United will at least have a shot of becoming the dominant force in their own city for the first time since Alex Ferguson retired.

United finished one place and seven points behind Manchester City last season. They have not eclipsed their rivals now for 13 consecutive years since Ferguson retired.

But with Pep Guardiola gone and City seemingly in a state of flux, the rebuild that Carrick undertook when he succeeded Ruben Amorim last November would take another significant step forward if he was able to secure local bragging rights.

"It's going to be a jump whatever I say," admitted Carrick when asked about United's chances of taking the title from Arsenal. "I would never say we can't by the way, because I don't believe that."

United played just 40 games last season after falling at the first hurdle in both domestic cup competitions. 

This time, Carrick has the Champions League to think about and time working with his players on the training ground will be limited.

He needs to add quantity as well as quality to his squad in the coming days to enable him to manage the increased workload.

Director of Football Jason Wilcox has been unable to deliver Plan A so far - or even Plan B in some cases.

Stretford End pulses were quickened by the mention of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson, but instead the club spent £83million bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

At 22, Santos is still a work in progress after just 27 Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge.

Tielemans, 29, is a seasoned operator who scored an FA Cup Final winner for Leicester and was also on target in Villa's Europa League Final victory last May, at the end of a season when he was named player of the year by both fans and team-mates.

The Belgian appears to be a smart replacement for wily Brazilian operator Casemiro, but it should be noted that United were the only club prepared to trigger his £35million buy-out clause.

United want to recruit Brighton's Carlos Baleba - but the fact that Brighton now appear inclined to accept a £40million reduction on the £100million asking price they quoted for the 22-year-old Cameroonian last summer illustrates what a tough year he's experienced on the South Coast.

Carrick said: "There's certainly been some players who been more expensive, but we're delighted with the two that we've brought in.

"They are two fantastic players who give us really good balance, give us a lot within the team, offer us different things. For the value that we feel we've got, I think we've done very well with those two."

There are also other reasons to be cheerful at Old Trafford. 

Kobbie Mainoo's return to form under Carrick won him a place in England's World Cup squad - but Thomas Tuchel's reluctance to give him any minutes during the tournament means the 21-year-old is both rested and going into the new season with something to prove once again.

And if assist-king Bruno Fernandes can replicate the form that made him FWA Footballer of the Year then creativity will not be an issue.

Carrick has also been impressed by Mason Mount in pre-season - although the injury-plagued midfielder will start the new campaign once again on the casualty list - while Marcus Rashford has returned from the World Cup with a determination to show his worth. 

Whether Rashford is driven by a desire to force his way back in at United or keep himself in the shop window remains to be seen.

United conceded 50 goals last season - and Carrick will have to make his team more resilient if he is to establish them once again in the top four. 

The signings made so far are designed to provide greater midfield protection. 

"Having quality in midfield gives you the foundation of the team," said Carrick. "That's important if you want to to be consistent, not just through one single game but consistent over a period of time.

"If you look at all the top teams over the years, the spine of the team is really strong. So we're conscious of that.

"I think we've got a good spine right now. But we can keep improving as we go forward in different ways. I think we're in a good place."

United continue to look for a new left-back, with doubts over Luke Shaw's ability to stay healthy. They have been monitoring Newcastle's Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis Skelly of Arsenal and the arrival of either player would be a significant statement.

Carrick will also hope that Lisandro Martinez can keep himself fit, especially while Matthijs de Ligt completes his rehabilitation after back surgery. The Argentine was able to start just 13 Premier League games last season.

Carrick said: "We want to be finishing in the Champions League again, without doubt. That's a big challenge, but we managed to do that last season and we've got to aim to do the same again and then keep pushing on."