Gary Neville believes Manchester United are “way off” finishing in the top five this season after a rotten start to the campaign.
The Red Devils sit tenth in the Premier League standings heading into the October international break. Erik ten Hag’s side have already lost four matches this term from their opening eight league games.
Scott McTominay was required to rescue United in their comeback victory over Brentford at the weekend. Despite that late success, Neville is still not overly convinced by his former side and believes they will miss out on a place in the Champions League come the end of the season.
He has pointed to Andre Onana’s difficult form since his £47million arrival from Inter Milan as a reason behind United’s poor start. Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former defender said: “I don’t think Manchester United will finish in the top five this season. I think they are way off it.
“And I’m surprised because seven or eight weeks ago, I had them third, But honestly from what I see at the moment, I don’t think the goalkeeper is settled in, I think he should have saved the one yesterday so that is a problem.
“If your goalkeeper is not settled in and there is a bit of instability around that, it does create a big problem. I’ve had that at United. So United, not for me.
“Chelsea, I think are probably nearer to it if they can go on a run because they have got some really good young talented players. Their age is a lot better than United’s squad.”
Man United’s struggles come after they spent heavily in the transfer market in an effort to build on their third-placed finish last term. The Red Devils spent around £175m in the summer but so far a number of their signings look less than inspiring.
Former Chelsea star Mason Mount has spent a large portion of the early part of the season on the sidelines, while loanee Sergio Reguilon has been added to the club’s injury list. Meanwhile, £47m goalkeeper Onana has made a number of errors since his arrival from Inter Milan.
Away from their poor start in the Premier League, the Red Devils have also had a nightmare start in the Champions League. The Red Devils sit bottom of their group after defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
United defender Harry Maguire has called on his teammates to harness their win against Brentford after their international break. He said: “That was a really important win. Obviously it has been a difficult time for us at the start of this season. This must be a turning point for us all, as individuals and as a club. We must kick on from this.”
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