Carrick discusses United recruitment and Emery leaves defender out of European squad

Michael Carrick says Manchester United remains in a development phase following the summer transfer window, despite spending £155m on new midfielders. While Carrick expressed satisfaction with the squad's flexibility, he acknowledged the team faces challenges as they prepare to face Everton this Sunday. Elsewhere, Unai Emery confirmed that new Aston Villa signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been omitted from the club's 23-man Champions League squad. Emery held a private conversation with the 24-year-old to explain the decision, which is not attributed to financial constraints. The defender is expected to remain sidelined from European competition until at least the knockout stages in February, should Villa advance. Villa continues to manage squad-cost regulations while integrating new arrivals following the departure of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal.

• 2:58 PMThe Guardian Sport — Premier League news: Carrick warns no quick fix, Emery has ‘hard’ Harwood-Bellis chat