Michael Owen insists that Man Utd should be considered genuine title contenders for the 2026/27 campaign.
The former United striker was asked for his thoughts on who could challenge reigning champions Arsenal, and he said Michael Carrick‘s side should be regarded as “dark horses” due to their form in recent months:
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester. I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves, they ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.”
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“And it’s been a while, but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender…”
“Given how long it’s been since Manchester United challenged for the title, Manchester United can be dark horses. From finishing bottom half under Amorim last year, Michael Carrick has come in and done an excellent job for Man Utd to finish 3rd, so there is scope for them to improve further and mount a serious title challenge.”
What are the odds of Man Utd winning the title?
The bookmakers currently have the Red Devils as fourth favourites behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. They have been priced between 6/1 and 15/2.
No team is odds-on to finish top of the table. Arsenal are priced between 6/4 and 13/8, City have odds of 5/2, with Liverpool fancied ever-so slightly more than United (between 5/1 and 11/2).
Strengthening the squad is key
It should be pointed out that the club were only playing one game a week under Carrick, and that undoubtedly helped in terms of performances and results.
The return of Champions League football to Old Trafford means that matches will be played every few days, so sustaining a title challenge will only be possible if the squad is reinforced considerably. The pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson seems to suggest the club are very serious about adding numbers as early as possible.
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