Wayne Rooney predicts a fifth-place finish for Manchester United in the Premier League and urges the club to sign a midfielder who can control games and build up play.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has shared his expectations for the upcoming season, predicting a significant improvement from last year but also urging the club to strengthen in one key area if they are to challenge for the Premier League.
After a disappointing campaign that saw Manchester United finish 15th and fail to secure any major silverware, Rooney is cautiously optimistic about the club’s prospects in the 2025/26 Premier League season. The 39-year-old former striker believes Ruben Amorim’s managerial influence will see a marked improvement, though he still has reservations about the current squad’s ability to challenge for the top spots.
Speaking on the BBC, Rooney predicted United would finish fifth in the Premier League. “I can see what Amorim is doing, and it’s looking better for Man United. They will sneak into the top five. I hope they do, and you never know,” he said, hinting that with the right moves, United could surprise many.
While many fans are eager for a title challenge after a disappointing season, Rooney is cautious in his expectations, acknowledging that further investment in the squad is necessary for United to push for higher positions.
Rooney believes Manchester United’s biggest area of need lies in midfield. Despite the club’s significant summer spending spree of over £200 million, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee among the new faces, Rooney insists United still require a solid midfield player who can help control the tempo of games and build up play effectively.
“I’d still like to see them sign a solid midfielder who is going to help control games for them, but also build up play. I’d like one more,” Rooney added. He also expressed a desire to see Bruno Fernandes pushed further up the pitch, where his creative abilities could have a greater impact in attack.
The issue in midfield has been a long-standing one for United, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both showing signs of aging and not having the consistency needed to dominate games in the way the club requires. A new addition in the center of the park could help solidify their chances of finishing in the top five, or perhaps higher, if Amorim can integrate a new playmaker into his tactical setup.
With United’s failure to win any trophies last season, pressure will undoubtedly mount on Amorim to deliver a better performance this time around. The club has spent a substantial amount on transfers, but if they fail to challenge for the top positions in the Premier League, the financial outlay could quickly become a point of contention for the club’s owners and fans alike.
Rooney noted, “They’ve spent more than £200 million this summer, so the excuses may wear thin if Amorim cannot deliver.” Given United’s financial commitment, the expectation to deliver tangible results, particularly in the league, is higher than ever before.
United’s season begins with a daunting clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. While United has shown glimpses of improvement during their pre-season campaign, a defeat in this high-profile fixture could ignite concerns about whether they are truly ready for a return to the top.
If Amorim and his squad fail to secure all three points against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the pressure on United’s management will increase. With Liverpool tipped by Rooney to retain the Premier League title, United will need to quickly prove they are capable of building on their progress and strengthening their squad where needed.
Wayne Rooney’s comments reflect a sense of cautious optimism surrounding Manchester United’s season. While a top-five finish is a realistic goal, the key to United’s success will be their ability to bring in the right midfielder, someone who can help control matches and unlock their full attacking potential. The clock is ticking as the transfer window winds down, and if United can secure the right signing, they may well challenge for a place at the top.
