Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher predict where Manchester United will finish this season

05.08.2022 - 15:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both believe that Manchester United will fail to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

United, who concluded their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday, will be looking to push for a Champions League berth this term after finishing a disappointing sixth last season. It means that the Reds will compete in the Europa League this campaign.

However, following the appointment of new manager Erik ten Hag, a sense of hope and optimism has returned to the surrounding streets of Old Trafford. Although United's pre-season results fizzled out towards the end of their schedule, they produced some slick and eye-catching performances at times, making it clear that the players are warming to Ten Hag's methods and demands.

READ MORE: Three issues United must solve ahead of the transfer window closing

United have drafted in three new players so far this summer, landing Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen, and remain confident of adding further new faces to the squad by the time the transfer window closes at the start of next month. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains their top target.

But despite the notable improvements that have been made at Old Trafford over the summer, both on and off the pitch, neither Neville or Carragher believe that the Reds will have enough about them to climb back into the coveted Champions League spots. Both of them believe they will have to settle for finishing just outside the top-four.

Asked where he thinks United will finish this season, Neville said: "I'm going to put them as my fourth [finishing] team."

The former Reds captain, however, quickly