Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has delivered a harsh assessment of his former club’s prospects this season, excluding them from his top-four Premier League prediction for the first time in 15 years.
Neville made the bold call during the latest episode of The Overlap US’ It’s Called Soccer, citing Manchester United’s struggles this campaign.
The Red Devils currently sit in a disappointing 13th place on the table after 16 games, trailing far behind the league leaders.
Liverpool lead the standings with a two-point cushion over Chelsea and a game in hand.
However, Chelsea could temporarily claim the top spot with a victory against Everton on Sunday, pending Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham later that evening.
Arsenal, last year’s runners-up, hold third place, with Nottingham Forest surprisingly breaking into fourth. Manchester City, reigning champions, are in fifth as they look to regain momentum in the title race.
In August, Neville had predicted Arsenal to clinch their first Premier League title in 21 years, with Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea rounding out the top four.
However, his faith in his former side has wavered as the season has progressed.
“I’m going to go with Arsenal [to win the title] on the basis that I think they’ll hit their form,” Neville said. “They’ve got a decent run of fixtures over Christmas, and I think they will hit their stride in the new year and win the league this season.”
As for the rest of the top four, Neville now believes it will consist of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City. “It’s the first time I haven’t said United will be in the top four, I think, in about 15 years!” he admitted.
Neville also dismissed the chances of Tottenham, Aston Villa, and other contenders such as Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth breaking into the top four.
He expressed doubts about their consistency and ability to maintain form over the remainder of the season.