Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness has predicted the Premier League top four ahead of the new season.
And, what may come as a surprise to some fans, the Liverpool legend reckons it will be good news for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, tipping them to make the top four.
Souness believes United’s transfer business, including the £80m capture of Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, will make the difference for the Red Devils following a disappointing end to last season.
"I still think, even though Maguire will make them better, it doesn’t make them good enough to challenge at the top," Souness said, according to the Mirror .
"If things aren’t going well, he (Maguire) is someone who will step into midfield to make things happen. There’s so much to like about him.
"As well as the quality he brings himself, it’s the knock-on effect this will have on the rest. Teams liked playing United last year – they were vulnerable defensively. But that has definitely changed now.
"Not just because of Maguire’s own input but the calming influence he’ll have – like Van Dijk – on those around him.
Solskjaer and his men missed out on the Champions League last season and will compete in the Europa League this term.
But the new campaign will bring different results, according to Souness, who says United are likely candidates to reach the top four, ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. Souness also believes that Manchester City will finish in the top two.
"I see it being between the big two again (champions Manchester City and runners-up Liverpool),” he added. “The nearest challengers will be Tottenham – and after that United. Neither Arsenal or Chelsea are good enough.”
