Former Manchester United midfielder turned pundit Robbie Savage believes his old club could challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title this season.
Jurgen Klopp 's men stormed ahead in the title race last season, winning the league for the first time since the Premier League rebrand, but it might not be as easy next season.
Or at least that's according to Savage, who believes Man United, who perked up in the second half of last season, could run Klopp's Reds close.
“I can't wait to see United's midfield three of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and new signing Donny van de Beek supplying the ammunition for Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial," he told the Mirror.
“Add a world-class centre-back and a top-class goalscorer and they will be the real deal.”
Speaking about Liverpool, Savage added; "Jurgen Klopp is not the sort of manager to let the grass grow under his feet.
“They have stockpiled 196 points over the last two seasons and that defensive unit, with Virgil van Dijk at its heart, will be the foundation for more success.
“They have only lost four games out of the last 77 in the Premier League – that's some going.”
Perhaps surprisingly, Savage thinks Chelsea, who have already spent more than £200m this summer, could finish above Man City in third.
“Owner Roman Abramovich means business – he's given manager Frank Lampard £230 million to spend this summer and Chelsea have brought in serious quality," Savage continued.
“Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr will build on Lampard's excellent first season in charge – but he needs a world-class goalkeeper.”
Savage did explain why he thinks Man City may come up short, though he has been impressed by one particular signing.
He concluded; "If Lionel Messi wasn't staying at Barcelona, all bets would be off. City's suspect back line has been shored up by £41m Nathan Ake and the 18-point gap to champions Liverpool last season looks a bridge too far.”
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