Manchester United's Premier League campaign has been predicted as the summer transfer window closes
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Manchester United's final Premier League position has been predicted as the first international break of the season gets underway.
Ruben Amorim's side have achieved one win, one draw, and one loss each from their opening three matches and sit ninth in the table at this extremely early stage. A second-round Carabao Cup exit somewhat dampened spirits around Old Trafford though the reality is there is a long way to go this season.
United's one victory, in their latest match against Burnley, saw £71m signing Bryan Mbeumo get off the mark in the Premier League for his new club, whilst captain Bruno Fernandes also netted for the first time this season.
Now United can look ahead their return to top-flight action after the international break, where they will have the luxury of an unhindered league schedule right up until January. The same cannot be said for several major rivals, who must balance duties with European and domestic cup matches.
Up next for Amorim and Co. after the break is a trip to local rivals Manchester City for the first Manchester derby of the new campaign. Pep Guardiola's team have suffered a shaky start to the new term.
Even though only three matches have been played so far, that has been enough for Opta Analyst to make a prediction for how the final table will look. Based on statistical evidence, they believe United will fall considerably flat in their bid to qualify for Europe again.
The prediction believes that United will finish with 49 points (48.65) after 38 matches have been completed. This is enough to sit 12th in the final standings, trailing 11th-placed Everton on 52 points (51.80) but ahead of 13th-placed Brentford, who have also been predicted to collect 49 points (48.63).
It may be an improvement on the tally of 42 the club managed after Amorim took charge midway through last season, however is not enough to get back into UEFA competition.
Liverpool are predicted to retain their Premier League crown by finishing with 79 points (79.02). Following that Arsenal with 73 points (73.00) in second, Chelsea with 67 points (66.70) in third, and City with 64 points (64.34) in fourth complete the quartet who would reach the Champions League.
In what may be considered a shock Crystal Palace are predicted to take fifth place with 61 points (60.52) and qualify for the Europa League, meanwhile sixth-placed Newcastle United are predicted to make the Europa Conference League with a tally of 57 points (57.33).
That would United eight points shy of what is needed to get back into Europe in 2026/27, and still outside of the Premier League's top half.
This prediction comes after the close of the summer transfer window. United were able to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, joining earlier attacking signings Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Mbeumo at the club.
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