Darren Bent has predicted Manchester United will finish fourth in the Premier League this campaign – even after the club confirmed they had agreed a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red devils finished second last season – 12 points behind Manchester City – and have taken four points from their first two matches of this campaign.
The club appear better placed to challenge for the title this season after the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
- Ferdinand drops hint Man Utd star has given shirt number to Cristiano Ronaldo
- Sancho, Rashford & Fernandes react to Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd
- Tuchel responds to Ronaldo transfer rumours & hints at more Chelsea signings
United are set to improve Solskjaer’s team further with the signing of Ronaldo, who has agreed a deal to return to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is widely considered one of the best players of all time and already has five Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League title and domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy.
Former England star Bent expects Ronaldo to impress at United but says his arrival does not make them title favourites, with Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool ahead of Solskjaer’s side.
‘Ronaldo looks after himself, so I don’t think there’s going to be a drop-off in terms of the ultimate professional,’ Bent told talkSPORT.
‘He will score the goals, I still don’t make Manchester United favourites. I still put Liverpool ahead with Chelsea and Manchester City.
‘I think Manchester United will come fourth, I still put three teams ahead of them.’
Ronaldo appeared set to join Man City after Allegri confirmed he would be leaving Juventus on Friday. But the 36-year-old ended talks with Pep Guardiola’s side to secure a return to United.
United said in a statement: ‘Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.
‘Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.
‘In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games. Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.’
