Wes Brown believes Manchester United must compete seriously for major trophies in Michael Carrick's first full campaign in charge. Brown feels last season's late surge under Carrick raises expectations. With several Premier League rivals changing managers, Brown expects United to target silverware rather than only qualification objectives.
Asked whether United should challenge for honours next season, Brown told Stats Perform: "I think they have to, after how they finished and the way the Premier League finished. " Brown added that the club's strong end to the campaign under Carrick has changed what supporters and former players now see as acceptable.
Brown admitted his own outlook was different before the last season started. "I would have been
more than happy at the beginning of the season just to get the Champions League, with how recent years have gone. " That view shifted as Carrick guided United towards a third-placed Premier League finish.
Reflecting on Carrick's impact, Brown said: "Let's start with where he [Carrick] got us this seasonI don't think anybody would have thought that, even myself! Things were still not perfect, but he managed to get results. He managed to get the players playing. " Brown highlighted how performances improved despite ongoing issues.
United were sixth when Ruben Amorim departed in January and Carrick initially stepped in on a temporary basis. The club then handed Carrick a two-year contract at the end of the campaign. Across two interim spells, Carrick has 13 wins, four draws and two defeats from 19 Premier League matches, giving a 68% win rate.
That 68% figure is the best in Manchester United's Premier League era, ahead of Alex Ferguson's 65% from 810 games and 528 league victories. Apart from Carrick and Ferguson, only Jose Mourinho has passed 54% in the competition for United. Despite that history, the team have gone 13 years without a league title since Ferguson retired.
Brown expects Carrick to set demanding internal targets. "I think his standards will be higher than people expect. " Brown also said: "We finished third this year, we're thinking, 'Okay, why can't we challenge?'" He believes that with smart recruitment and a clear style, United can move closer to the leading Premier League sides.
Brown outlined what needs to happen next in the transfer market. "We get some new players on board, and obviously, some players will leave. " Brown continued: "But if we can keep that same mentality and obviously have longer with [any new players], I think they can improve. " He added: "I think that will be the standard. "
The club's recent trophy return remains modest for a side of United's stature. Their only major successes in the last nine years came under Erik ten Hag, lifting the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. Brown believes that record places more pressure on Carrick and the current group to respond strongly.
Recruitment in midfield looks central to those plans. United are understood to be close to signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Brazilian expected to take over from Casemiro, who left as a free agent. Brown also sees scope for more additions in the middle of the pitch to strengthen options across a long Premier League season.
When asked about possible targets, Brown highlighted specific names. He mentioned England midfielders Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton as players who could interest United. Brown stressed the importance of increasing depth as well as quality, especially with the club aiming to compete on several fronts under Carrick.
The former defender explained his thinking clearly. "For me, great teams, I always say look at the bench, okay? So, other than the XI that are playing, who's on the bench? The two teams I was in that won the Champions League, any of the bench players could have started, probably for most teams in the Premier League. "
Brown went on: "I think that's key. " He added: "I think City have it, I think Arsenal have it. " Assessing United's current squad, Brown said: "I still think we're a little bit short of that. " Brown's comments underline his belief that squad depth is vital if Manchester United want to match their main Premier League rivals.
Brown gave a positive view on some current and potential options. "Ederson's a great player. " Brown added: "There's also Anderson, who everyone looks at. " He continued: "There's Wharton. " Brown summarised that area by saying: "I do think that's probably our main position. " He feels central midfield remains the priority zone for strengthening.
Brown also reflected on recent contributors. "I think Casemiro was outstanding last year. " He explained his preference for domestic experience, saying: "Me personally, I like Premier League players in certain positions. " Brown added: "Just because they know English football and know the other teams. " He then concluded: "But like you said, Ederson's a really good player. "
Brown, who won five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies with Manchester United, sees Carrick's early record and the current transfer plans as a platform. With rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all changing managers this off-season, Brown feels United have an opportunity to close the gap if recruitment and standards stay aligned.
