Didi Hamann has predicted that Manchester United will finish higher than Arsenal in the Premier League the following season.
The Red Devils had their worst-ever Premier League finish last year, coming in eighth place, eight points outside the top four and thirty-one points behind champions Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag nearly lost his job at Old Trafford due to United’s poor play, but the Old Trafford management chose to continue with the Dutchman after he defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup to win his second trophy since joining from Ajax in 2022.
Despite United’s dismal league performance in 2023–24, Didi Hamann “has a feeling” that the Manchester giants will improve next season and even finish above Arsenal.
The Gunners have mounted back-to-back title challenges under Mikel Arteta and finished just two points behind Man City last season after the title race went down to the final day.
But Hamann believes Arsenal have ‘missed their chance’ for a league title and will finish third next season behind Manchester clubs City and United.
The ex-Germany midfielder has backed his former club Liverpool to secure the final Champions League spot in Arne Slot’s first year at the club since replacing Anfield legend Jurgen Klopp.
If Hamann’s prediction is correct, Man City will win a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title and seventh since Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016.
‘It’s hard not to see Manchester City where they always are [at the top of the Premier League],’ Hamann told TopOffshoreSportsBooks when asked for his top-four prediction.
‘I’m not certain about Arsenal because they have missed their chances.
‘I would go for Manchester City, Manchester United – if they make the signings they are linked with – then Arsenal in third and Liverpool in fourth.
‘I’ve got a feeling Man United will do okay next season. Obviously, Kobbie Mainoo has been a breath of fresh air in the Euros and he’ll play a major role.’
Didi Hamann’s top-four prediction
Manchester City
Manchester United
Arsenal
Liverpool
Liverpool could need new manager by Christmas
Despite tipping Liverpool for a top-four finish, Hamann says he also would not be surprised if the Reds were looking for a new manager by Christmas.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger’s successors at Manchester United and Arsenal both struggled and the same could play out for Slot at Liverpool following the emotional departure of Klopp.
If the appointment of Slot does prove to be a mistake, Hamann believes Liverpool may revive their interest in Xavi Alonso, who was the leading contender to replace Klopp before he committed his future to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
‘Things happen very quickly in football,’ Hamann said. ‘Maybe Liverpool end up needing a new manager at Christmas? Stranger things have happened.
‘You wish Arne Slot all the best but if you have a bad start then fans can get upset and really and you never know, but I hope he is at Liverpool for years to come.
‘Can I see Alonso at Liverpool one day? Yeah, of course I can. But it’s always a matter of timing.
‘They just need to beat Bayern Munich to land Alonso – they will want him too but I back the Reds to seal his signature.’
When does the new Premier League season start?
The 2024-25 Premier League campaign begins on August 16 with Manchester United facing Fulham at Old Trafford.
Later that weekend defending champions Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, while Liverpool visit newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Arsenal, desperate to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League trophy, host Wolves while Championship winners Leicester City welcome Tottenham to the King Power Stadium.