Alan Shearer has claimed Manchester United are set for a turnaround in fortunes in Ruben Amorim's first full season at the club.
After a dismal start under Erik ten Hag last season United opted for change and sacked the Dutchman in October with the club languishing in the bottom half of the table.
The following month Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon tasked with turning round what had been the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
The Portuguese was unable to revive United's ailing campaign and when the dust settled United ultimately finished in 15th, two places lower in the league table than the position they occupied when he arrived.
After a busy summer in the transfer market in which they look set to beat Shearer's beloved Newcastle in securing Benjamin Sesko's signature, United will be hoping for a much more productive campaign this year.
And, according to Shearer, that's exactly what they'll get.
The Premier League's record goalscorer recently put his 2025/26 predictions down on the record for Betfair.
'We’re just over a week away from the Premier League returning and I'm really looking forward to it,' Shearer said.
'I think it's been a nice break, although Man City and Chelsea won't feel that after the Club World Cup.
'You just have to look at some of the signings being made and how much the top four have spent. It's going to be a fascinating season and I'm really looking forward to it.'
Shearer predicted that United will ultimately finish sixth this season, bringing European football back to Old Trafford following a single-year break.
Whether United chiefs would be satisfied with such a finish given their significant outlay in the transfer market remains to be seen.
At the top of the table Shearer has backed Arne Slot to repeat his incredible success from his maiden Premier League campaign by securing a second successive title win.
Shearer claimed Mikel Arteta will be forced to settle for second for a fourth season running, despite the Gunners finally bringing in a leading striker this summer.
Manchester City and Chelsea make up the rest of his predicted top four, while Shearer has backed Newcastle to once again claim fifth.
While Shearer backed Manchester United to undergo a dramatic reversal in fortunes, fellow former England international Joe Cole wasn't quite so optimistic.
In his own Premier League predictions the TNT Sport pundit could only just fit United into the top half, predicting the club will finish ninth.
Meanwhile former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves placed his former club at 7th.
Cole and Hargreaves agreed with Shearer's assessment of the title race, with both backing Liverpool to once again sit atop the league table at the end of May.
It's bad news for the promoted clubs, however.
For the last two seasons all three promoted sides have been unable to stave off the drop after earning a place in the top flight.
Both Hargreaves and Shearer clearly do not see that trend changing any time soon, with both men's predicted tables having Sunderland Burnley and Leeds in the bottom three.
Cole however, claimed that Scott Parker's Burnley do have what it takes to narrowly avoid the drop.
The three-time Premier League winner claimed the Clarets will just manage to remain outside the drop zone, with Wolves the unlucky club to make way.
bopablmrtz
0
Nonsense
bayabikpr
1
At this moment. it is very hard to see an outright winner of the EPL 2025-26! Liverpool has almost a complete new team and it remains to be seen how they will fare. Arsenal has prepared quite well but they have always had a good side anyway. So it also remains to be seen if the current preparations will make a difference! Chelsea has also made upgrades in positions and with the winning of CWC they appear ready for a go at the EPL. We wait to see! Man City has made some changes but I think the team is still competitive. As for Man U, they have had one of the best transfer summers in decades. Many are tipping them for some improvements, but it is very hard at the moment to tell the extent of that improvement. 17th August will be a good indicator! Newcastle. Aston Villa, Forest, Brentford and Everton will still play roles of the spoilers but it is also unknown for the moment where they will end up. I think top four will include any four of the following: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Newcastle United. The winner will come from: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United. Likely drops, any three of: Sunderland, Burnley, Bmouth, Leeds, Fulham, West Ham, Wolves.
Cinabdmstu
0
Shearer and Joe Cole too of you are not getting your self, we are going to stock you guys, Hargreaves look bastard to place Man united to top 7
lowbdemost
0
rubbish!
Wuzlnpy
0
Manchester United if not winning the EPl then they will not be below 3place
AFerNkaI0649
0
Manchester United first mark my words!!
You’re right bro
viwbcdemnt
2
How you mean when you say arteta have to force to run second a forth time that means you know everything going wrong with the club like reff cheating us games unnessary red cards e.t.c you should be investigated.
Topadekpyz
1
Man u will finish from top down to number 3.
foscdoptu
2
i think United will finish top 4 in the premier league but their assessment is base on the manager.
MakkelAleybi
0
Brentford, Leeds and Wolves will go down come May
Vaecimprst
0
Manchester United first mark my words!!
Hallucination
nafiuturaki
2
United Will finished among 3 i have faith in them
Tonybiz
4
United will definitely finish ahead of Newcastle and Tottenham this season and won’t be surprised if they make top 4 because they have only EPL and cup to prepare for. Enough advantage for players to rest and be ready
Barhi007
4
Chelsea and Man City will struggle due to exertions from the CWC. Newcastle and Tottenham will have a hard time juggling between UCL and EPL. The problem is if Man United can step up and take advantage.
tascdnty
2
just predict your club Newcastle live our club man u alone
Vibcempy
6
Manchester United first mark my words!!