Gary Neville is surprised that he is backing Manchester United to finish in the top three as they aim to return to the Champions League, considering where they were before Michael Carrick’s arrival.
Gary Neville has been surprised by Manchester United’s progress in recent weeks (Image: (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Gary Neville admits it is “hard to believe” he now thinks Manchester United will finish third, given the situation before Michael Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils came from behind to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, their sixth win in seven games under Carrick. Their impressive performance has seen them beat the top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, and set them up for a return to the Champions League.
They took 19 points from a potential 21 points, ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa, and Neville, who has forever tipped his former team to finish in the top four no matter the circumstances, believes they can actually deliver.
Sky Sports pundits also expect Villa to remain in the top five. They have endured a notable dip in form since the start of the year, winning three of their last 10 games, before losing to bottom-of-the-table Wolves last week.
He told the Gary Neville Podcast: “I think United are definitely going to finish third. I can’t believe I’m saying that because of where they were six weeks ago. But they’ve got nothing in their way, they’ve got some good things going on and they’re on a roll.”
read more: Bruno Fernandes incident comes to light after Manchester United star allegedly had confrontation with Benjamin Sescoread more: Gary Neville praises Manchester United star for silencing Michael Carrick allegations: ‘He has improved a lot’
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“I think Liverpool will finish fourth and Chelsea will finish fifth. I hope Villa finish in the top five, I really do. As I said before, their manager is an experienced and smart man. Hopefully we can get some players back, but the injuries to our midfield players in recent weeks have been costly.”
“I think it will be Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. The only question is Chelsea or Villa will be fifth. Injuries will be a big factor. Other competitions will also be a big factor. At the moment they are in danger, Villa. They are vulnerable in terms of Champions League qualification.”
Manchester United’s strong form moves them into the top three (Image: PA)
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Both teams aiming to qualify for the Champions League will have to play each other towards the end of the season. United host Villa in less than two weeks, but they still have to travel to Stamford Bridge to host Liverpool.
Depending on the results of these matches, the composition of the top five may change in the future. The Manchester team is the only team not participating in European competition, which reduces the burden on the team and allows them to make the most of their preparation time. United have been in a non-Champions League season, but if they achieve their goals this term they could end a three-year wait.
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