GARY NEVILLE has predicted Manchester United will finish sixth in the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils kick off their campaign at home to Brighton on Sunday in what will be Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge.
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But Neville, who won eight Prem titles with Man Utd, does not believe his former side will make the top four this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think United with their current squad will finish fourth”, before predicting a sixth-place finish.
He then added the caveat: “But if they bring [Frenkie] De Jong and a striker is another story.”
Barcelona midfielder De Jong has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer but a deal is yet to be agreed.
United have seen an improved side in pre-season with just one defeat in six friendlies.
However, it remains to be seen if they can get into any competitive action.
And Neville is well aware of the difficulty of a home clash with Brighton.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen on Sunday,” said the former England right-back.
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“I liked what I saw before the season, but Brighton at Old Trafford will be tough.”
Brighton beat United 4-0 at the Amex Stadium towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign as caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick’s stint at the club continued to unravel.
But since then the Seagulls have lost midfielder Yves Bissouma to Tottenham and more recently left-back Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.
In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether Cristiano Ronaldo will start the match.
The Portuguese superstar has made his desire to leave the club clear this summer and has been involved in very little of Ten Hag’s pre-season preparations.
However, Anthony Martial has been ruled out of the season opener through injury and it could mean United are forced to bring Ronaldo back despite ongoing speculation over his future.
