15 August 2023 , 11:26
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Roy Keane has backed Manchester United to make the top four, but can't see past their rivals when it comes to the Premier League title.
The champions began their defence on Friday night as they eased past Burnley with Erling Haaland scoring two of their three goals. 72 hours later United were in action against Wolves, who have been tipped for the drop, but were second best for long periods before sealing a 1-0 win.
It highlighted some of the issues facing Erik ten Hag, who could still dip into the transfer market. United are expected to build on last season's third place finish this term but Keane believes his former side will be among the immensely competitive battle to make the top four.
He was quizzed on whether United could challenge City this year and told Sky Sports: "No, I don't think so. I just think it's so hard to see beyond Man City. Again, I've said before, unless they really drop off and get really bad injuries and lose that hunger, then I think the other teams have a chance.
"United will be top four, Arsenal have improved, look at Newcastle. Aston Villa will respond well to it [losing 5-1 to Newcastle], obviously Liverpool and Chelsea, for a lot of them teams it's about being top four and that's the same for United."
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Several of United's rivals, namely Chelsea and Liverpool, endured major drop offs last term but are expected to challenge once more after several notable additions. Ten Hag has been able to spend big sums himself, leading to talk of what they could achieve this season.
The Dutchman has added the likes of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Andre Onana since arriving but Gary Neville dismissed the idea that his former side should be pushing for a first league success since 2013.
"There will be those that say Manchester United should be challenging for the title now," he said. "But realistically, looking at where Arsenal are and how they have recruited this summer, and looking how established Manchester City are, I think it would be unrealistic and harsh to say Manchester United should be competing for the title.
"For that to happen, Antony would have to explode this season, Marcus Rashford would have to hit the same numbers, and Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana would have to hit the ground straight away."