Michael Carrick is confident that further competition for starting spots will make reigning English champions Manchester United stronger this campaign. Sir Alex Ferguson has added Ashley Young, David de Gea and Phil Jones this summer whilst young guns Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley are back and much-improved following loan spells at Sunderland and Wigan Athletic respectively.
Midfielder Carrick feels that the extra jockeying for places will give United plenty of depth heading into a brand new seasons which starts at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
"I'm not fearful of that at all, I embrace it," he told Sky Sports News. "That's what this club is all about.
"It's going to be tough but every season is as tough as each other.
"It's a clean slate now, we've had a bit of a turn-around with the playing staff and we've got a really young squad now.
"There's always competition for places here, that's what makes it so great. You've got to be on top of your game to be playing and that's probably how we've had the success over the years. If you want to be involved you really have to be at your best.
"It's great to see the young lads coming through. I really enjoy seeing the young lads progressing and getting a chance in the first team.
"Danny (Welbeck) did really well at the weekend and so did Tom, so it certainly bodes well for the future. They'll be chomping at the bit to get a lot of football this season."
