LIVERPOOL legend John Arne Riise believes Manchester United will finish no higher than third this season as he stated they are too reliant on Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils sit top of the table after 17 games played ahead of their trip to Anfield on Sunday – three points above Jurgen Klopp’s men.
John Arne Riise believes Manchester United will finish third in the Premier League this season Credit: Alamy Live News
And while Riise, 40, has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for turning things around at Old Trafford, he has stated that the club will come up short in their bid to win the Premier League for the first time since 2013.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Liverpool v Man United, he said: “I think at the moment I can only see a title race between three teams: Liverpool, Man City and Man United.
“When it comes to the end of the season I think it’ll be between Liverpool and City; I don’t think United will be able to keep up their current form.
“I might be wrong; I like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer because he’s from Norway and we will always support our own people – it’s just a shame he’s managing the wrong team!
“I’ve been very impressed with what Solskjaer has done this season and how he’s turned things around after the stick he’s had from the fans and the media.
“He’s stuck at it, they’re top of the league and to be honest I think they deserve to be there because of the way they’ve played.”
Before adding: “In my opinion I think Liverpool should be favourites to win the league, not Man City. I also thought at one stage that Chelsea might have been up there.
“They had a good start to the season but they’re losing too many games and are lacking in consistency.
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Riise believes the Red Devils are too reliant on playmaker Bruno FernandesCredit: Rex Features
“For a neutral football fan, it must be great to watch a league like this when it’s so tight. You never know who is going to finish in the top four, or even the top six!
“Liverpool and Man City are going to be up there, and then Man United will probably be in third place.”
Riise then suggested that United will struggle if Fernandes ever picks up an injury with the playmaker chipping in with 11 goals and seven assist in 17 games this term.
He said: “Man United are very reliant on Bruno Fernandes, though. If he’s out for any reason this season, they’ll struggle.
“That’s why I don’t think United will be up there in May, because they’re too dependent on that one player.
“Man City and Liverpool have so many players who can carry the team; Man United only have one.”
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Jason Cundy gives full credit to Man Utd for there win over Burnley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
