Arsenal news: Gary Neville has given his thoughts on the upcoming Premier League season with a key prediction involving Manchester United and the Gunners
Gary Neville has provided some of his predictions for the 2023/24 Premier League season with another interesting claim about Manchester United and Arsenal. The former right-back turned Sky Sports pundit has been criticized on numerous occasions by Arsenal fans for his views on Mikel Arteta’s side, with one particular prediction proving to be quite bizarre.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast in January, he said: “No, [Arsenal] will not win the league. Manchester City will win the league and I think Manchester United will finish second and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans.” “While Neville’s prediction came true in the first half, he looked rather red when Arsenal finished nine points above Man United last season.
Both clubs have strengthened their squads in the summer transfer window and Man United are closing in on their third major signing. Mason Mount and Andre Onana have already been welcomed and Rasmus Hojlund could join them as Manchester United discuss the final terms of a €60m package with Atalanta.
Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber joined Arsenal this summer, spending just over £200m in total from Arteta and Edu. Erik ten Hag has improved his squad and while the Gunners currently look stronger in most departments, Neville has explained how Manchester United can beat second-placed Arsenal while also ruling out any team that could challenge Man City’s domestic dominance .
“It all depends on the budget,” he told FourFourTwo. “With the owners the club has had, I think they will probably still finish in the top four, but I don’t think they will improve.” . “If they can find new owners and spend £250m or £300m they have a chance of moving into second place. I think they have a chance to take this place from Arsenal – it’s open – but they would have to spend a lot of money to do it.”
The two sides met in a pre-season friendly earlier this month, which Man United won 2-0. Arteta opted to field Rice and Havertz alongside Martin Odegaard in his midfield squad, but Man United dominated the game and appeared to give Arteta reason to consider selling Thomas Partey.
“Without a doubt,” Arteta replied when asked if Partey was in his plans. “Thomas is a super important player for us and for me.” I want him to be part of the team. Certainly.
“Every time I’ve talked to him and had a conversation with him, he’s ready to be with us. There’s just nothing for me.”
