Gary Neville predicts Manchester United will finish second in the Premier League

Speaking to Stadium Astro (h/t Metro), Manchester United legend Gary Neville has outlined his expectations for the club next season.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last season. Good cup runs also saw us make the semifinals of all three cup competitions that we took part in.

Neville goes on to predict that United will go one better and finish second in the Premier League next season. He did however add the caveat that his predictions are hopeful rather than realistic.

“I’m going to go Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea, but that’s with a little bit of hope rather than science.”

While it will be good to see us improve, the fact remains that we finished miles behind the top two last season. While both Liverpool and Manchester City have retained their core players, United are yet to strengthen significantly.

Adding Donny van de Beek is a smart move. However, we will need more than just the 23-year-old to close the gap at the top.

Moreover, Chelsea too have strengthened significantly this summer. At least on paper, it is arguable that they possess a better team than us and will pose another challenge for us to overcome next season.

Neville is well aware of the gap that exists between us and the top. He believes us closing it while also winning a trophy will be considered acceptable.

“To get close to the top-two and win a trophy – maybe in one of the cup competition – would be acceptable. He would have to get close to winning a title by his third season.”

United have in fact not won a trophy since the Europa league triumph in 2017. A three-season trophy drought for a club such as United is unfathomable. Unfortunately, it is now our reality and we will have to work on it.

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United lack strength in depth. It was apparent towards the business end of last season. Having finished in the top four, the club has just brought in one key player so far.

Given our weaknesses, it is just not going to be enough. If we do underperform next season, there is no doubt that we will have none but ourselves to blame.