Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have the quality to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, despite their disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid raising concerns about their ability to compete consistently in Europe.

According to the Evening Standard on Friday, October 16, 2026, the former United captain backed his old club to reach the last eight, although he admitted that predicting their overall progress in the competition remains difficult.

Manchester United made an encouraging start to their European campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford. However, their progress was checked when they travelled to Spain and suffered a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid.

The loss exposed weaknesses in United’s response to early pressure, with Diego Simeone’s side scoring within the opening minute and immediately putting Michael Carrick’s team on the back foot.

United’s task became even more difficult when defender Leny Yoro received a straight red card. The dismissal left the English side with an uphill battle, allowing Atletico to take greater control and secure an important victory.

Before the defeat, Rooney had shared his expectations for United’s Champions League campaign, suggesting that reaching the quarter-finals would represent a positive outcome following their return to the competition.

“I’ll say the round of quarter-finals. I hope for more, but I think getting back into the Champions League was what was needed this season,” Rooney said.

His prediction reflects the importance of re-establishing United among Europe’s leading clubs after their absence from the tournament. Progressing to the last eight would provide a significant boost to the team’s development under Carrick, although Rooney remains hopeful that his former side could go even further.

Former Manchester United teammate Ashley Young reportedly made the same prediction, while former England striker Alan Shearer also backed the Red Devils to reach the quarter-finals.

However, United must improve their consistency and show greater composure in difficult away matches if they are to achieve that objective. Their defeat to Atletico demonstrated how defensive mistakes, early setbacks and disciplinary problems can undermine their chances against experienced European opponents.

Carrick and his players will now turn their attention to their upcoming Champions League fixture against Como in Italy, where they will have an opportunity to respond to the disappointment in Spain.

A positive result could restore confidence within the squad and strengthen belief in Rooney’s assessment. Nevertheless, Manchester United will need to demonstrate greater defensive discipline, resilience and attacking effectiveness to make a sustained run towards the quarter-finals.