Gary Neville predicts Man Utd will finish SIXTH and admits winning the Champions League would be ‘outstanding’ for Ten Hag

GARY NEVILLE has predicted Manchester United will finish sixth in the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils start Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge at home against Brighton on Sunday.

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But Neville, who won eight Prem titles with Man Utd, doesn’t think his former side will make the top four this season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think United will finish fourth with their current squad,” before then predicting a sixth-place finish.

Then he added the caveat: “But if they bring [Frenkie] De Jong and a striker in it is a different story.”

Barcelona midfielder De Jong has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer but a deal is yet to come.

United have seen an improved side last season with just one loss in six friendlies.

However, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to assert themselves in competition.

And Neville is well aware of how tough a home game against Brighton is going to be.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen on Sunday,” said the former England right-back.

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“I liked what I saw before the season but Brighton at Old Trafford is going to be tough.”

Brighton defeated United 4–0 at the Amex Stadium towards the end of the 2021–22 season as interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s time at the club further unraveled.

But since then the Seagulls have lost midfielder Yves Bissouma to Tottenham and recently left-back Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.

Whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting XI remains to be seen.

The Portuguese superstar has made clear his desire to leave the club this summer and has taken very little part in Ten Hag’s pre-season.

However, Anthony Martial has been ruled out of the season opener through injury and that could mean United are forced to bring Ronaldo back despite the ongoing speculation about his future.