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Erik ten Hag’s side have endured a disastrous start to the new league season, sat in ninth place having lost four of their eight league games to date. United’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League are also already looking bleak, losing their opening group matches to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
The gloom around Old Trafford was lifted on Saturday as United staged a superb comeback at home to Brentford with Scott McTominay coming off the bench and scoring twice deep in injury time.
But it remains to be seen whether the win will be a turning point for ten Hag and his side or another false dawn.
The Premier League is likely to have five teams qualify for the Champions League this season as part of the competition’s new format for the 2024-25 campaign.
Tottenham and Arsenal are joint top of the league, two points clear of defending champions Manchester City with Liverpool also enjoying an impressive start, currently occupying fourth.
Aston Villa and Brighton have also impressed with Newcastle United looking to ensure their return to the Champions League isn’t short-lived.
Assessing United’s chances of finishing in the top five, former club captain Neville is not convinced the current group is capable, pointing to Andre Onana’s form as a particular concern.
Chelsea sit a point behind United after a similarly underwhelming start but secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season after beating Burnley on Saturday.
Neville feels the Blues will fare better than his former side in the race for European qualification.
‘I don’t think Manchester United will finish in the top five this season,’ he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
‘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 you’re 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.
‘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.’
MORE : Wayne Rooney reveals he rejected job offer ‘close to home’ as he explains DC United exit
MORE : Peter Schmeichel slams Erik ten Hag’s treatment of Manchester United hero Scott McTominay
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