Carrick: It's been unbelievable playing at home

The head coach also commented on the immense atmosphere supporters have provided inside Old Trafford during his tenure, and is hopeful the Whites' visit will crank up the volume on Monday night, in our 20:00 BST meeting.

Carrick also provided the latest team news ahead of what will be our first game in 24 days, discussed his role in the pre-season plans and Harry Maguire's new contract, and revealed where he sees Mason Mount adding something to the side.

Keep scrolling to read, and watch, everything he had to say in the first part of his media briefing...

I know this isn't a fixture that you've played in many times, I think maybe once or on the bench for another one, but what do you feel about this rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United?

“It's gone on for an awful long time. I think that's what rivalries are there for, for a really good reason, I think, to be part of. And the intensity, and the emotion, and the passion that goes into it. Obviously, it's got to keep within the margins, but I think that's part of the game we love, and going up against other teams, and essentially other areas, and battling it out on a pitch. So, I think it's something that we've got to embrace and, as I say, it's why we're involved for these type of games. And we're certainly aware of it, I'm certainly aware of it, the players are aware of it, of the extra that it means on top of the standard three points. So, yeah, we're looking forward to it. It's a big night for us.”

What could that edge do? For the stadium, for the game, for the atmosphere on Monday night?

“Yeah, hopefully it cranks it up, and the stadium's alive. I'm sure it will be, it has been, it's been unbelievable playing at home and the boys have responded and thrived off it, really. And with the supporters giving that balance and coming with us and spurring us on when we've needed that. So, I expect it to be the same and with an extra little bit of edge with it being Leeds.”

It's been a big week of announcements with Harry Maguire's extension and also the club's pre-season schedule being confirmed for next season as well. Just wonder how much you're involved in that planning, even when it came to Harry with the likes of Jason [Wilcox] and Omar [Berrada]. And, you know, do you feel like you are having a big influence on those types of decisions as well?

“Certainly, in the role I'm in. There are those decisions [that] need taking care of. And I said it as soon as I came here, I'm part of that, of helping, whatever that looks like moving forward, I'm part of that, and trying to improve things and make things better all the time. So, yeah, certainly there's conversations in different directions and different things that, yeah, I'm definitely part of, and I think it should be that way anyway, because things need [to be] done, you know, so I'm here to take care of that.”

Just on Mason Mount as well. Saw him come back against Bournemouth for a few minutes. Just wondered if he’s now ready to have that strong end to the season? Also where do you see him fitting in to this team?

“First of all, it’s great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in and came together. So, he’s obviously had what? Nearly two, three weeks of building up and finding his rhythm, finding his sharpness. So yeah, it’s great to have him back. I think his versatility is a big strength. He can play through the middle, he can play in midfield, he can play wide, and he can do so many different roles. And he’s certainly a team player. He’s a player that I really like, and there’s loads to come from Mason, we’ve just got to give him the time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he’s certainly in a good place right now.”

Lisandro Martinez obviously went to Ireland and he’s back training, but it’s a long time since he played. Have you got any problems putting him in? Because obviously with Harry [Maguire] out, his experience could be quite important…

“It’s that call that we make. We wouldn’t be pushed into anything. It’s important that the boys are ready, as important as the next game always is, the most important is always the bigger picture. So, that’s a decision that we’ll take. He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.”

And we’ve spoken a lot about Matthijs de Ligt, he obviously wasn’t there [at the training camp]. You’ve said before it’s a back issue and it’s unpredictable, and there’s no timescale. But what is he doing in training?

“Just treatment and rehab, and the reason he didn’t come is he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick came with us, and Pat’s at that stage, a little bit further on. Matta’s not quite at that stage yet, so it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There’s nothing else around it.”

Sorry, what does rehab look like for a back problem?

“It’s just different treatment, different exercises. He’s obviously in the gym and he’s doing work, but he’s not quite on the grass, and he’s not ready for that yet. That’s the process that unfortunately, when you’re injured, you’ve got to go through. And sometimes it happens quicker than others and sometimes there’s things that don’t quite go to plan, and he’s just at that stage where he’s just working through that at the moment and we’re trying to get him back.”

Just with the break since the last game, can you just give us the readthrough of where the other fitness issues are and what you’re contending with this weekend?

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it, really. Lisandro’s back, Patrick’s back on grass but he’s further away, he’s not back on the grass with the team, he’s back as part of his rehab. And other than that, really, we’re in good shape.”

And in terms of the Leeds rivalry that you touched on earlier, what role has Jonathan Woodgate played in making people realise how it feels from the other end?

“Not loads, actually, but I think we're just all aware of what the game means to the football club, to the supporters. And just kind of repeating what I'm saying, I think it's something you've got to thrive on and understand when you play certain games, what it means for the wider picture for so many people in different ways. And sometimes it's what you'd call a normal game, sometimes it's a little bit of a twist to it, and this is certainly one of them.”

Jonathan’s kept his head down on that one then?

“Yeah, he’s working as normal, so there’s absolutely no issue with that.”