According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday October 16, 2026, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes the club can reach the Champions League quarter-finals this season under manager Michael Carrick, despite their difficult start to the European campaign.

The Red Devils returned to Europe's elite competition with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in Spain.

United struggled to recover after conceding in the opening minute against Atletico, while their chances of getting back into the game were further damaged when Leny Yoro received a straight red card. Diego Simeone's side eventually secured all three points, leaving Carrick with plenty to consider ahead of the team's next European fixture.

Speaking before the defeat to Atletico, Rooney admitted that predicting United's progress was difficult but backed his former club to reach the last eight.

“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.

He added that reaching the quarter-finals would represent a positive outcome, while leaving open the possibility of an even deeper run in the competition.

Former Manchester United teammate Ashley Young shared Rooney's prediction, while Alan Shearer also reportedly backed the Red Devils to reach the quarter-finals.

However, United will need to improve their consistency if they are to fulfil those expectations. Their defeat against Atletico exposed some of the challenges facing Carrick, particularly when dealing with difficult away fixtures and periods of pressure.

Manchester United are now preparing for their next Champions League match against Como in Italy, where they will look to bounce back and strengthen their position in the competition.