The latest Manchester United news as the Reds battle to return to Europe
Ruben Amorim
Man United’s points tally for this Premier League season has been predicted
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United's Premier League end-of-season position and points have been predicted following a difficult start to the campaign.
Ruben Amorim's side have recorded one win, one draw, and two defeats from their opening four games, leaving them 14th in the table at this early stage. A premature exit from the Carabao Cup has further dampened their hopes of lifting silverware this season.
Last weekend, scrutiny intensified following a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City. Amorim insisted that any desire from the club's hierarchy to change the team’s playing style would require him to be replaced as manager.
"Guys, I understand that and I accept," he said after the defeat. "It is not a record you should have in Manchester United. There are a lot of things - you have no idea what happened during these months - but I accept that. I am not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man. We will talk about that every game that we lose.
"I don't believe in that, in the system, or whatever. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change. My message is that I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. That was always the same message. It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them."
Up next for Amorim and Co. is a visit from Chelsea. Enzo Maresca's side remains unbeaten so far, with two wins and as many draws.
Even though only four matches have been played so far, that has been enough for Opta Analyst to make a prediction for how the final table will look. The prediction suggests that United will finish the season in 14th place on 47 points (47.22) after 38 matches have been completed.
Nottingham Forest are predicted to finish one place above United, also on 47 points (47.36), while Fulham are projected just below the Reds with 47.11 points.
United are predicted to finish above Fulham, West Ham, and Leeds United, while Sunderland, Wolves, and Burnley are tipped for relegation.
Liverpool have been backed to retain the Premier League title with 80 points (80.41), while Arsenal are projected to finish as runners-up on 74 points (74.48).
Next in the predicted standings, Chelsea would claim third with 66 points (66.06), and City fourth on 66 points (66.05), completing the four teams expected to reach the Champions League.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United are predicted to finish fifth with 58 points (58.50) and qualify for the Europa League - although this could change depending on how other Premier League clubs perform in European competitions this season.
Meanwhile sixth-placed Crystal Palace are predicted to make the Europa Conference League with a tally of 58 points (58.17).
With that in mind, United are predicted to finish 11 points short of qualifying for Europe, remaining outside the top half.
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