Neville, Lineker and Shearer – where pundits think Man United will end up

Manchester United are strongly backed to finish in the top four once again this season.

After leading the club to third place in his first campaign at the helm – alongside winning cup successes – Erik ten Hag recruited well during the summer months with three top signings. Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund have all arrived at the club.

However, other contenders for Champions League qualification have also worked their magic in the market. But what impact will this have on the battle for a place in Europe’s premier club competition? Here we take a look at what top experts are predicting for this season.

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Rio Ferdinand – the first four

“I still think there is a difference between Manchester United and Manchester City – on and off the pitch – but Manchester United are moving in the right direction. I think you can see how they approached the transfer window. That was very decisive and frank.

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“They have executed three very good players who will undoubtedly improve their squad and, potentially, one more who will arrive after that. We will have to wait and see.”

Gary Lineker – first four

“I’m going to put them in the top four. I’m really looking forward to seeing Mason Mount play for Manchester United. I think like most Chelsea players last season they underperformed and there were reasons obvious to that. I think he remains an exceptional talent and I can’t wait to see him. Manchester United will be in the top four.”

Gary Neville – 3rd

“Unless clubs like United, Liverpool or Chelsea do something miraculous in the transfer window, Arsenal are the only team that could challenge City right now. I think they [Arsenal] could be very close to them, but I would still go to City, just.

“Just because of the ‘three things’ and never winning a fourth [title in a row], I will go to Arsenal to win the league and City second. If I put my life on it, I would put City, but I will go to Arsenal. I think Arsenal can beat them this year. Arsenal, City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, [Aston] Villa.”

Michael Owen – 3rd

“I left for Liverpool and Manchester United to finish third and fourth, but both have questions to answer and neither were visually impressive all of last season. United followed the recent trend and bought themselves a goalkeeper goalkeeper playing the ball. [Onana]. It looks like a good buy. At the other end, they occupied a vital position for which they were clamoring. If [Rasmus] Hojlund is successful, they could be in business.”

Micah Richards – 4th

“I see them similar to last season. I say top four. I expected Manchester United to do everything possible to bring in a lot of high quality players. Do everything for a [Harry] Kane. Go do anything for [Victor] Osimhen. Do everything for the best players available in the market. Hojlund is exceptional, but he is only young. What is he, 20 years old? You can’t pin your hopes on such a young player. Get Hojlund and another.”

Alan Shearer – 4th

“In terms of position maybe not [an improvement]. I certainly had them in the Champions League, again, but I put them fourth this season rather than where they finished third last season.

“I think they’ve made some really good signings that will improve them. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Rasmus Hojlund can do. I know he’s a youngster and they paid a lot of money for him, but there’s a lot of How will they play it and [Marcus] Rashford on the same team? I’m impressed and I think you can’t help but be impressed with the work Ten Hag has done there.”

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