Michael Carrick has made clear that Manchester United have not entered the UEFA Champions League simply to fill a spot — he believes his side are capable of leaving a mark on Europe's premier club competition this season.

The United manager pushed back firmly against any suggestion that his team would be content with participation alone, stressing that the club's ambitions stretch well beyond merely showing up on the continental stage.

Carrick's words carry weight at a club where European pedigree runs deep, and his message to players and supporters alike was unambiguous: Manchester United are here to compete, not just to take part.