Michael Carrick issues verdict on Man United squad after being outspent by rivals

Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United have a stronger squad than they did last season as he said they have made the most of their money - despite being outspent by their Premier League rivals United paid £148m for three midfielders, in Carlos Baleba , Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos , who came in as Casemiro left. But they did not buy in other positions while Manchester City spent more than £400m, both Chelsea and Tottenham more than £300m and Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool more then £200m. Michael Carrick is happy with Manchester United’s business (Getty) Carrick is content with the business United have done and said: “We went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we've definitely added to that. I think we've done a lot of good work in that respect. The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we're trying to get the most of. “The players that we've brought into the group, I'm delighted with, absolutely delighted with. I think we've done some really good business there for the quality and the level of player that we've got. I'm really, really happy with that.” Carrick was adamant he did not say United were “restricted” in terms of what they can spend but said: “I'm just saying that's the situation that we have. I'm not talking about the amount. I think whatever the amount is, you want to make the most of it, and whatever you spend, you want to make the most of it. I think for what we've spent, we've certainly made the most of it, without a shadow of a doubt, if not even more than that because of the players that we've brought in.” Joshua Zirkzee is staying at Old Trafford after United rejected Everton’s deadline-day attempt to take him on loan. The Netherlands forward has not played a minute this season and has only started one game under Carrick. But the United manager said: “Josh is important. It’s the team, the squad, the depth, the whole season. Josh is happy here and I've a really good relationship with Josh anyway. What he wants is to play more than he has done, and that's the good, the competition and healthy competition for places. Josh can do some really, really top things, you know, and I've seen it myself, and I know he can do that. I am looking forward to him doing that a little bit more often for us.”