Agencies
Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United to ‘challenge’ for the Premier League title this season, but says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be ‘under pressure’ to deliver silverware.
Rooney watched on as his Derby side were beaten 2-1 by former club United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, goals from youngsters Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellistri securing the Red Devils a win in their opening friendly fixture of the summer.
Following the clash, Rooney discussed United’s chances of challenging for the Premier League title, with the club having failed to secure league success since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Manchester United are also without major silverware since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December 2018, though Rooney believes the Red Devils are now well placed to challenge at the top of the Premier League this season.
“I think there will be a lot of pressure, which there should be with Manchester United,” Rooney said.
“Sancho coming in, they are rumoured to be in for a few more players. They are in a period now where the fans will be wanting success, silverware, and Ole and his coaching staff will be under pressure to deliver that.
“[Manchester] City, Chelsea the Champions League winners, Liverpool, there are some very good teams, but you can see with Manchester United they are getting gradually better.
“I think they will be in a place where they really will challenge next season.”