Didi Hamann has predicted that Manchester United will finish higher than Arsenal in the Premier League next season.
The Red Devils experienced their lowest-ever Premier League finish last season, ending in eighth place – eight points short of the top-four spots and 31 points behind the champions, Manchester City.
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Manchester United’s poor performance nearly cost Erik ten Hag his job, but the club’s management chose to retain the Dutchman after he led the team to victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup, securing his second trophy since joining from Ajax in 2022.
Despite United’s disappointing 2023-24 league performance, Hamann ‘has a feeling’ that the Manchester giants will improve next season and surpass Arsenal.
The Gunners have been strong contenders for the title under Mikel Arteta, finishing just two points behind Manchester City last season as the title race extended to the final day.
However, Hamann believes Arsenal have ‘missed their chance’ at winning the league and will finish third next season, behind Manchester City and Manchester United.
The former Germany midfielder has also backed his former club Liverpool to secure the final Champions League spot in Arne Slot’s first year at the club, following the departure of Anfield legend Jurgen Klopp.
If Hamann’s prediction is accurate, Manchester City will win a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title and their seventh since Pep Guardiola joined the club in 2016.
‘It’s hard not to see Manchester City where they always are [at the top of the Premier League],’ Hamann told TopOffshoreSportsBooks when asked for his top-four prediction.
‘I’m not certain about Arsenal because they have missed their chances.
‘I would go for Manchester City, Manchester United – if they make the signings they are linked with – then Arsenal in third and Liverpool in fourth.
‘I’ve got a feeling Man United will do okay next season. Obviously, Kobbie Mainoo has been a breath of fresh air in the Euros and he’ll play a major role.’
Despite predicting a top-four finish for Liverpool, Hamann also mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Reds were searching for a new manager by Christmas.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger’s successors at Manchester United and Arsenal both struggled, and the same could happen for Slot at Liverpool after Klopp’s emotional departure.
If Slot’s appointment turns out to be a mistake, Hamann believes Liverpool might rekindle their interest in Xavi Alonso, who was the leading candidate to replace Klopp before committing to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
‘Things happen very quickly in football,’ Hamann said. ‘Maybe Liverpool end up needing a new manager at Christmas? Stranger things have happened.
‘You wish Arne Slot all the best, but if you have a bad start then fans can get upset, and you never know, but I hope he is at Liverpool for years to come.
‘Can I see Alonso at Liverpool one day? Yeah, of course I can. But it’s always a matter of timing.
‘They just need to beat Bayern Munich to land Alonso – they will want him too, but I back the Reds to seal his signature.’
When does the new Premier League season start?
The 2024-25 Premier League campaign begins on August 16 with Manchester United facing Fulham at Old Trafford.
Later that weekend, defending champions Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, while Liverpool visit newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Arsenal, eager to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League trophy, host Wolves while Championship winners Leicester City welcome Tottenham to the King Power Stadium.
