GARY NEVILLE has made a U-turn on his season prediction for Manchester United after their sluggish start.
The Red Devils legend has now predicted that Erik ten Hag’s men will not come close to finishing in the top five this season.
United currently sit tenth in the Premier League after a remarkable comeback against Brentford on Saturday afternoon helped them scoop three precious points.
Scott McTominay saved the day for the Red Devils, snatching the win in injury time with two remarkable goals.
But prior to that victory, United have struggled with four wins from eight league matches – and two defeats in the Champions League.
United’s poor performance has left Neville, 48, tracking back on his words after pledging at the start of the season that the Red Devils would make the top three.
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Speaking on his podcast Neville 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.”
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Ex-Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana was shunned by Neville after being signed from Inter Milan in the summer for £47million.
The Cameroonian has come in for heavy criticism since his arrival. His attempt to stop Brentford’s goal on Saturday brought fresh attacks, with it being seen as easily avoided by many.
This came only days after Onana was slammed for his slip-ups in United’s Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
Neville added: “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.”
The Blues youthful squad looks more like turning it around this season after their dreadful start. Chelsea have won three games out of eight and sit just one point below United.
Ten Hag’s squad has an average age of 25.6. Meanwhile, Chelsea recruited youngsters Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer this summer, making their squad average the age of 23.1.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
