Wayne Rooney has expressed his belief that it is “very difficult” to see Manchester United competing for the Premier League title next season, despite the progress made under Michael Carrick.
Since Carrick took charge in January, the Red Devils have picked up 39 points, which is the most by any top-flight club during that period. This performance led to a third-place finish in the league and a return to the Champions League. Carrick was subsequently rewarded with a two-year contract as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor.
Rooney believes that, despite the challenging start to the season, United will look back on this campaign as one of progress, thanks to the work done by Carrick.
“I think where Man United have been over the last few years has been very difficult for the fans to find some happiness in it,” he said.
“But I think since Michael went in, I think there’s hope and belief again within the Man United fans. To finish third, I think all of the signings done quite well. And now back in the Champions League, and hopefully they go and sign a few players who can help them try and go the next step.”
He added: “So I think there’s progression; it looks better. And hopefully we see the benefits of having, I think, a very good coach in.”
Behind the scenes, United have already started making moves to prepare for the new season. Reports suggest that a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is close to being finalized.
While Rooney wants to see his former club truly contend for silverware next season, the 40-year-old is unsure whether United are ready to make a serious challenge for the title.
“Well, I think the expectations, I spoke to him (Carrick) last week, will be to try and win everything they go in, but then you have to be realistic as well,” he added.
“I think, can you progress again from where you’ve been? So I think if United finish in the top four next season and maybe have a challenge and win, you know, maybe FA Cup and try and do well in the Champions League, I think, again, that’s progression. We all want them to win the league, but you have to be realistic and say, are they going to win the league? Are they going to win the Champions League? I think it’s going to be very difficult, but trying to get an improvement.”
Not everyone agrees with Rooney’s assessment of United’s title credentials. Former England striker Michael Owen has tipped the Red Devils as one of two sides who can challenge Arsenal next season.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” Owen recently said.
“I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves, they ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger. And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender.”
He continued: “Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
