Gary Neville does not believe Manchester United will win the title this season, despite their nine-game winning run, and thinks Manchester City will reclaim their crown.
The Reds have beaten league leaders Arsenal, defending champions City, cup double winners Liverpool and Tottenham at home so far this term. Saturday’s 2-1 derby win means United are now within a point of City and are only fourth on goal difference to Newcastle, who have played a game more.
Erik ten Hag’s side are still nine points behind Arsenal, who they play on Sunday. Should United defeat Crystal Palace in midweek, a victory over the Gunners would take them within three points.
READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag asked United to do vs Man City
Talk of a title chase is already being spouted while the Reds are the only Premier League team left in four competitions. Regarding the league, Neville doesn’t believe United will have enough to lift the trophy, unlike City.
However, with a wry smile, he predicted that his former club wouldn’t be too far off. Asked whether he thinks Arsenal will win their first league title since 2004 on the Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “No. But I said Leicester wouldn’t win the league [during their 2015-16 title-winning campaign].
“They [Arsenal] won’t win the league, Manchester City will win the league. I think Manchester United will finish second. I know that will annoy Arsenal fans. And it’s annoyed them all season!
“Do you know something? I hope Arsenal win the league. I’d rather Arsenal win the league than Manchester City. I think it would be absolutely sensational for the Premier League.”
Neville added: “Of course, I’d love Manchester United to come through and win it. But I don’t think that’s going to happen this season.
“I’d love Arsenal to win it more than Manchester City, but I think the reality of it is that, at some point, Manchester City will just hit a run. Once they hit a run, they have to play Arsenal twice, [and] Arsenal have got all the big games to come.”
United still have Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham to play away from home this season, while Chelsea are due to visit Old Trafford in April. City still need to travel to Tottenham and Arsenal, who they play twice each in the next month, the latter firstly at home in the FA Cup.
READ NEXT:
