Roy Keane believes Manchester United will finish in the Premier League’s top four this campaign after Sunday’s win over Arsenal.
After a disappointing start to the new campaign, Erik ten Hag’s new-look team have now won four in a row after they outsmarted the Gunners at Old Trafford.
Mikel Arteta’s team dominated large spells of an absorbing contest, but United’s threat on the counter-attack, exemplified by Marcus Rashford, proved key as the home team cantered to a 3-1 win.
Having enjoyed a strong end to the transfer window, the Red Devils now look unrecognisable from the team that were battered 4-0 by Brentford last month and are now only three points off top spot.
With new signing Antony marking his debut with a goal and players like Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo to bring on from the bench, Keane feels United now have the strength in depth nedded to secure Champions League football next season.
He said: ‘United, I think United are certs for the top four. I think they’ve got a settled group now.
‘Obviously the transfer window, I mentioned it earlier, a lot of baggage with players who weren’t happy at the cub gone. ‘The manager is settling in, the options coming off the bench today we saw… United for me.’
Keane’s former teammate Gary Neville, meanwhile, was more circumspect and feels United still have a lot to prove if they are to be able match their rivals over a 38-game season.
He said: ‘You think Liverpool are going to come good just because of what they’ve done the last few years. I think United will struggle to get into the top four, personally.’
Regardless of the outcome, Erik ten Hag is delighted with the progress his team have shown in recent weeks but says United are far from the finished article.
He said: ‘It’s a process – you have to lift the standards every day. That is my demand and the players in our team have that demand, we have many players in the team who have won trophies and they have to bring that standard. Get the best out of them every day.
‘We have to think about Europa League – today we will have a short celebration and tomorrow focus will be on the next game.’
