Manchester United are just over one week away from kicking off the Premier League season against Arsenal.
After positive signs for Manchester United throughout pre-season, the real test is set to be at Old Trafford one week on Sunday when Arsenal arrive for a blockbuster opening weekend clash.
Ruben Amorim has seen major improvements in the way his team are performing, likely brought on by the prolonged period on the training ground to teach the players the system.
United have made some excellent signings this summer, but testament to Amorim’s system the best performance came without any of the big named additions. After watching his Bournemouth side lose 4-1, Andoni Iraola raved about United, saying they are one “hell of a team”.
However, often pre-season doesn’t translate into the proper campaign and judgement will be reserved for August 17th, when United could make a real statement by beating Arsenal on game-week one.
This could place United well for a successful season, while Paul Scholes has now spoken out with his prediction for what place he thinks the Red Devils will end up in this season.
Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount (7) gets hugs after his goal.
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Paul Scholes predicts another Champions League-less season for Manchester United
Heading into the 2025/26 season and there is a renewed confidence around Manchester United that things this coming season are going to be much better than last year.
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Amorim promised United the good days are coming and he now needs to deliver on that, but given last season saw the Red Devils finish 15th, where can we realistically expect to see a jump to this upcoming campaign.
Now, speaking on The Overlap’s pre-season fan debate, Scholes has been asked where he thinks Amorim will end up this season.
“It’s a tricky one, after being so bad last year. Teams can change, we’ve seen Nottingham Forest that it doesn’t have to take five to 10 years to get back to where you wanna be.
“I still think there are issues, although it is looking better, I still think there are issues with the team, the midfield… top six, I think top six would be more than acceptable at this point.
“As much as you don’t want to say that, I always think manager should aim for the very best, I just think there are too many good teams, I think your Liverpool’s, your City’s, your Chelsea’s are on the up, Arsenal, I didn’t even mention Aston Villa or Newcastle, I think there is a lot of competition now to get in that top six.”
Manchester United finishing top six would be a success, with Ineos setting Amorim the target of top six, and it would mean significant progress has been made on last season.
There is so much uncertainty over how Amorim will fare this coming season, but if he takes United to sixth, chances are he is doing an excellent job.
What will determine Manchester United’s Premier League success?
For the upcoming season, success doesn’t have a set look for United, as it really depends on progress on the pitch and whether it is clear that Amorim’s system is coming good.
However, one thing which needs to happen for fans to consider the 2025/26 campaign a good one is goals and plenty of them.
United have overhauled the offence this summer, with two of the Premier League’s best in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arriving through the doors to bolster Amorim’s options.
Additionally, United have also signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig to upgrade in the striker position and potentially long term if all works out.
United achieving close to 65 points and scoring 70 goals would more than likely be enough to see the team finish sixth, but Luke Shaw has admitted the team are targeted the title, which may seem wildly unlikely, but crazier things have happened in football.