Teddy Sheringham believes Michael Carrick is facing major pressure, with supporters unlikely to be satisfied by second, third or fourth-place finishes in the coming seasons.

The 60-year-old said he expects Manchester United fans to be disappointed by anything short of winning major silverware under Carrick.

The Red Devils made notable progress last season under their former player, now their permanent manager, climbing from 15th place in 2024/25 to finish third in the Premier League table.

That result secured Manchester United’s return to the Champions League — they are due to play Sabah FK on Thursday evening — but Sheringham feels expectations will not ease this season.

The Red Devils are currently 11th in the Premier League standings after recording one defeat, one draw and one win from their first three matches.

Their season opened with a 2-0 away loss at Hull, before they responded with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. Last weekend, they were pegged back by an Everton equaliser in added time.

Sheringham, who was part of Manchester United’s treble-winning side, believes Carrick will soon come under serious pressure from the Old Trafford faithful, given the demand for major trophies.

“The pressure is huge at Manchester United,” he said. “The expectation may not be there right this minute, but within the football club and among the supporters over the years, they won't be happy with fourth, third, or second.

“Within the club and around it, the pressure is huge, [even] without outside interest playing the part of saying Manchester United are not good enough.

“Anyone within Manchester United who has been involved with Manchester United knows the pressure of what it's like to play for Manchester United. Everywhere you go, people want to beat you. And Michael knows that, he's been a player,” he continued.

Sheringham also voiced optimism about the club’s future under Carrick, though he admitted he expects that pressure to have a considerable effect on the 45-year-old.

“It'll be interesting how long his hair stays nice and dark and flowing on the touch line. That pressure brings the grey hairs or the baldness at some stage for these managers,” said Sheringham.

“And all of sudden you look and go, blimey. He's got old, and that's what that pressure does. [That’s] being involved in football in general, but Man United even more so.

“But Michael knows that. I love his character. I wish him well and I think he will come good,” concluded the 60-year-old.