Alan Shearer says he does not think Manchester United will earn a top four spot based on their performances so far this season.
The Reds are on a four-game winning run in the Premier League and sit fifth ahead of Sunday’s derby with champions Manchester City. United started the season with horrid losses to Brighton and Brentford but have since beaten Liverpool and Arsenal.
In the midst of their winning streak, a much-changed side suffered a shock Europa League loss to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford but bounced back to beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 in Moldova a week later.
However, Shearer is not convinced United have done enough to show they can break back into the top four after last season’s sixth-place finish. He bestowed the same judgement on Chelsea.
He is backing City to lift the title again with Liverpool in second and Tottenham, third. Despite Arsenal’s defeat to United, he is backing the Gunners - who have won every other game this season and sit top of the table - to clinch the final spot.
“I think I might say Arsenal,” he said, when naming his final top four team. “It has slightly changed from the beginning of the season. But on the evidence I have seen from Manchester United and Chelsea, then I think Arsenal might sneak in there as well.”
United head into this weekend’s derby bout having not played since that fixture on September 15. They will step onto the pitch in the Premier League for the first time in nearly a month when they face City.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com