Gary Neville delivered a truly stunning Manchester United prediction on Monday Night Football.
Hi has bucked the trend of widespread pessimism and boldly declared that the Red Devils will finish in the top four this season.
His forecast, made after United’s opening day defeat to Arsenal, was met with incredulous laughter from fellow pundit Jamie Carragher and has sparked intense debate.
The bold claim comes after a disastrous campaign last season that saw Manchester United finish in 15th place.
Neville’s belief, however, is based not on the final result at Old Trafford, but on the new team he saw under Ruben Amorim.
“I’ve done this now for eight years, and I’ve always had Man Utd in the top four every year!” Neville said on air, after being told that only 13% of United fans agreed with him.
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He then went on to explain his rationale, pointing to the performances of new signings and the team’s overall balance.
“When I watched United against Arsenal, I thought the performance was very good.
"I think they’ll get a goalkeeper and, with those players up front, with no Champions League or Europa League, I think Man Utd will surprise a few people,” he stated.
Neville's analysis focused on how new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo brought a "balance" to the team and how even existing players like Casemiro looked "better."
However, his optimism was not shared by Jamie Carragher, who visibly struggled to contain his laughter.
Carragher challenged Neville's stance, arguing that it was only one game, and despite playing well in moments, Manchester United "at no stage in the game did I think Man Utd were going to score a goal."
Carragher dismissed the prediction as a "big jump from 15th to fourth," adding that manager Ruben Amorim "has still got a lot to prove."
Neville’s prediction is a classic example of his eternal optimism for his former club.
While he himself admitted he would have to come back in ten months and "defend this," his forecast is a powerful statement of belief in Ruben Amorim and the new-look United squad.
Only time will tell if Neville is right, but for now, his words have certainly set the stage for an intriguing season.
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