Wayne Rooney believes it is ‘very difficult’ to see Manchester United contending for the Premier League next season despite their progression under Michael Carrick.
No top-flight club won more points than the 39 United picked up between Carrick’s arrival in January and the end of the season.
That form saw the Red Devils secure a third-place league finish and a return to the Champions League, while Carrick was rewarded with a two-year contract as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor.
And Rooney believes that despite the turbulent start to the season, United will reflect on this campaign as one of progress given the work done by Carrick.
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‘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 told talkSPORT.
‘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.
‘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 been making moves to prepare for the new season, with reports suggesting that a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is already close to being agreed.
And while Rooney wants to see his former club truly contend for silverware next season, the 40-year-old is unsure whether United are quite ready to make a serious go at a sustained title challenge.
‘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,’ Rooney 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, though, with former England striker Michael Owen tipping 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 told Metro.
‘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.
‘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.’
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