Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has advised Red Devils fans not to expect any Premier League title challenge from Michael Carrick’s first full season as manager.
While praising Carrick’s remarkable impact in securing Champions League football, Rooney stressed that the team still needs significant summer investment to bridge the gap.
He credits Carrick with bringing a “calm head” and restoring belief after turbulent periods at Old Trafford, but believes it will take time to build a squad capable of overhauling the league leaders
“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,” Rooney told talkSPORT.
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“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.”
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.
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‘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.’
