Premier League Legend Predicts Where Man United Will Finish at The End of The Season After Derby Humiliation

Premier League Legend Predicts Where Man United Will Finish at The End of The Season After Derby Humiliation

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:57 PM
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  • Roy Keane had previously backed Man United to complete the top four slots in the Premier League at the end of the season
  • However, the legendary defender has performed a U-turn, tipping Arsenal instead to qualify for the Champions League at the expense of United
  • The Gunners currently sit fourth with a one-point advantage over the Red Devils - but still have three matches in hand

Roy Keane has predicted Man United will finish outside the top four this season following their derby defeat to bitter rivals, Man City.

The Red Devils were humbled 4-1 during a thrilling Premier League clash staged at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 6.

Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick. Photo: Getty Images.
Roy Keane had previously backed Man United to complete the top four slots in the Premier League at the end of the season. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

A first-half brace by Kevin De Bruyne and another by Riyad Mahrez in the second half were enough to condemn United to a comprehensive defeat.

Man United drop out of the top four

The defeat saw Ralf Rangnick's charges drop to fifth on the Premier League standings with 47 points, a point behind Arsenal who still have three matches in hand.

The Gunners had earlier on Sunday edged Watford 3-2 at Vicarage Road to sneak into the top four as they continue their push to return to the Champions League.

United, therefore, needed nothing short of a win during their trip to the blue side of Manchester to stand any chance of maintaining their grip in fourth.

Roy Keane backs Arsenal to beat Man United to a top four finish

Keane, who had previously tipped the Red Devils to play in the Champions League next season has now performed a stunning U-turn on his prediction.

Speaking in the wake of United's loss to City, the former Red Devils captain now believes the Gunners are favourites to seal the final top four spot.

"It’s been an amazing turnaround (for Arsenal) considering where they were at the start of the season, and now they’re probably favourites to finish in the top four," he said.
"We’ve always questioned whether there’s a bit of softness to them but they’re in a good moment and they’ve always had that quality," he added.

Juan Mata set to leave Man United

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Juan Mata is the latest Manchester United player to be linked with a possible summer exit from the Theatre of Dreams.

The 33-year-old is said to be frustrated with life under Ralf Rangnick who has failed to offer him a chance to prove what he can offer.

A number of La Liga clubs are believed to be monitoring Mata's situation with the Red Devils and could tempt him with an offer.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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