Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy expects Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to prove the doubters wrong this season.
Solskjaer heads into the new season, his first full campaign in charge at Old Trafford, surrounded by pressure following a poor end to last term.
The Norwegian boss’ lack of experience means he is being tipped by many to fail, but player-turned-pundit Danny Murphy believes he will do better than expected.
In his column in the Daily Mail, Murphy tipped United to enjoy a better season than potential top four rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Match of the Day pundit has pointed to the Red Devils’ fire power in the transfer market as a reason behind an upturn in results from the end of last season.
And he has predicted United to outperform Unai Emery’s Arsenal.
“City and Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League again but when six big teams are going for four spots, two will miss out — as Arsenal and Manchester United did last season,” Murphy explained.
“I’ve got a feeling United will improve through financial power — particularly now they have signed Harry Maguire — and will join Tottenham in the top four.
“Only one manager will be under instant pressure if he loses his first match: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. You won’t see pressure on Jurgen Klopp should Norwich upset Liverpool or on Frank Lampard if Chelsea are beaten at Old Trafford next Sunday. But Solskjaer needs to hit the ground running.
“United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the way they finished last season, with key players not performing, was unacceptable. The size of the club and money spent adds to the scrutiny.
“The good news for Solskjaer is I think they’ll come through better than expected. Wan-Bissaka and Maguire will prove good signings and the spending may not stop before the deadline. I think they can return to the top four and give Solskjaer breathing space.
“Arsenal need to spend in the final few days of the window more than anyone. This is their third season in a row outside the Champions League and unless they do some business in defence and midfield, they’ve no chance of ending that run.”
