Wayne Rooney has tempered expectations around Manchester United by claiming that they must be realistic about a potential title challenge next season. United have shown remarkable improvement under Michael Carrick's management, but Rooney feels it will be "very difficult" to make another jump forwards.
Carrick was appointed in January as interim boss after Ruben Amorim's exit and the team enjoyed a fantastic second half of the campaign. United won 12 of their 17 matches under his management, storming to third in the Premier League to secure a return to the Champions League.
Club chiefs reacted by handing him a two-year deal and are now planning for the 2026/27 campaign. After a successful recruitment drive last summer, United aim to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window once again, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson set to become the first arrival.
Some pundits believe that United could challenge Arsenal and Manchester City for the title next season, with the 39 points taken under Carrick since January the best of any club. But ex-United striker Rooney is being more cautious in his optimism.
"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."
Asked about a title push, Rooney added: "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.
"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."
United's last trophy was the 2024 FA Cup, which came under Erik ten Hag, and they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham last summer under Amorim. Their last Premier League title was way back in 2012/13 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
