‘Unless’ — Roy Keane delivers honest Man Utd season prediction, including Man City title competition

Manchester United gear up to face their first challenge of the new Premier League season this evening with an opening home fixture against Wolves. Fans will be looking forward to seeing new recruits Mason Mount, André Onana and Rasmus Højlund in action as they vie for their first win of the campaign.

Another top four finish will certainly be the main aim for Erik ten Hag and his men but they will also be hoping for a shot at a title challenge as well. Last season, it looked certain to be Arsenal who broke Manchester City’s streak, but in the end, Pep Guardiola’s side triumphed once again.

However, despite the clubs at the top of the table all strengthening their squads this summer, former United star Roy Keane isn’t convinced the Red Devils will be any problem for their rivals in sky blue when it comes to competing for the trophy.

“No, I don’t think so, even for United. I just think it’s so hard to see beyond Man City,” the ex-Reds captain said on Sky Sports. “I’ve said before, unless they really drop off and get really bad injuries or lose that hunger, then the other teams have a chance. But I can’t see anyone competing with Man City.”

No team has ever won four back-to-back titles in Premier League history, but City will be gunning to achieve this feat. They opened up their campaign with a 3-0 over Burnley, with star striker Erling Haaland getting on the scoresheet after just four minutes.

“I think United will be top four, you look at Arsenal they’ve improved, look at Newcastle, Villa will respond well [to the defeat],” Keane continued. “Liverpool, Chelsea — there’s a lot of competition but for a lot of those teams it’s about being top four and that’s the same for United. Newcastle are definitely in the mix for top four. I think they’ve got stronger, their recruitment has been excellent.”

United and Newcastle both snubbed Liverpool of a top four finish last season, forcing them to settle for Europa League football. Based on their run of form and their smart recruitment so far, the Red Devils will definitely be feeling confident of another high finish.