Paul Merson has named Manchester United as one of his five favourites to win the UEFA Champions League ahead of the new season.
United have lifted the European competition three times but not since 2008, reaching two finals and three quarter-finals in the past 12 years.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Red devils reached the Europa League final last campaign – but they were beaten on penalties by Villarreal – and finished second in the Premier League.
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Former Arsenal and England player Merson believes United’s wait for a domestic title will go on for at least one more season but says they could lift the Champions League this campaign.
He named United as one of his five contenders to win the competition, along with Bayern Munich, PSG and Premier League rivals Manchester City & Chelsea.
‘I’ve gone for Manchester United as one of the top five contenders for the Champions League this season and I’ll explain why,’ Merson wrote in a column for Sportskeeda.
‘I know they were knocked out in the group stages last season, but the way they play suits Champions League football more than the Premier League.
‘They counterattack as well as anyone in Europe and have a squad that has match-winners across the pitch with the additions of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
‘Sancho adds a bit more guile to the team, while Varane is an experienced defender who will not only allow them to play a higher line but also complement Harry Maguire perfectly.
‘Manchester United are the biggest club in world football in my opinion, so I’m not going to call them dark-horses. ‘They’ve gone almost eight years without winning the Premier League or the Champions League and that could so easily become 15 or 20 if they don’t take the initiative.
‘They look like a strong team and it goes without saying that each one of their forwards, barring Edinson Cavani, are incredibly quick!
‘I don’t know if Manchester United will win the Premier League title, but when you look at the way they play, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the UEFA Champions League.’
