Thirteen pundits have offered a wide range of predictions for where Manchester United will finish in the 2026/27 Premier League season, with forecasts varying from second to seventh place.
After a third-place finish last season, United face a real test under permanent manager Michael Carrick, who impressed during an interim spell. The club has begun a midfield rebuild, signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while Carlos Baleba could yet follow. However, they have lost Casemiro, one of their bigger characters last term. The last five seasons have brought just two top-four finishes and a Premier League low of 15th in the 2024/25 campaign.
Pundits Forecast Mid-Table to Top-Four
Paul Merson predicted a sixth-place finish for Sky Sports, describing the squad as "wafer-thin." Merson said: "If Bruno Fernandes got injured, then you'd really worry. And yes, they have Youri Tielemans in there but I don't see a dominant midfield." He also questioned the Santos signing, saying: "I might be wrong and Manchester United see something different. But a lot of Chelsea fans were asking what he does. He doesn't break it up, doesn't create chances, doesn't score goals. That's my problem."
Wayne Rooney tipped United for fourth place, saying on Stick to United: "I would take top four. I think maybe fourth, I still think need to get two of three more players in." He added: "You're looking at Arsenal and Man City – Chelsea will be a lot better this season, Tottenham will be better. You've got Liverpool in there as well. So it's going to be tough."
Michael Owen predicted a fourth or fifth-place finish, saying on The Good, The Bad & The Football: "I'm just going to go steady and say, you know, Liverpool and Manchester United for third and fourth but part of me is wanting to say Tottenham." He later settled on fifth.
Former United Stars Offer Mixed Views
Nicky Butt backed his old employers to finish as runners-up behind Arsenal, saying: "I'm only saying that because I think City will fall off from where they've been. It's impossible for them to be first or second or anywhere near close. So, and then obviously, my heart's in the Man United team."
Paul Scholes predicted a third-place finish, saying: "I still think they've got a lot of work to do to strengthen." He added: "I just don't think the centre halves are good enough to challenge for the league... I just think every time I saw United last year, probably the last two years, they get attacked through the middle of the pitch every single time because they don't have the physicality and the legs in there really."
Roy Keane ruled out a title challenge, telling Stick to Football: "United's big problems are still going to be defensively. That midfield and going forward, there is a big goal threat at United, they were very good last year with it, especially when Carrick took over they were a real goal threat. The issue is at the back, the full-backs and the two centre-halves are still a big issue."
Wider Range of Predictions
Ellen White tipped United to repeat last season's third-place finish but warned: "Unlike last season, Carrick has got Champions League football to contend with. I like Youri Tielemans as a signing, but they need more in... and is Marcus Rashford staying?"
Matt Upson left United outside the top four in his BBC predictions, backing an Arsenal-Chelsea-Liverpool-Manchester City finish. Tim Sherwood told Sky Sports he was torn between United and Manchester City for fourth place, saying: "I can't make my mind up out of these two."
Adrian Durham predicted a seventh-place finish, telling TalkSPORT: "I'm wondering what's going on there at United defensively for a start... I'm a massive Michael Carrick fan, but they had 40 games last season and you can easily say they underachieved." Des Lynam told Radio Times he expects United to finish fourth, saying: "Man United finished very well last season and I expect them to continue that form, providing they can hold onto Bruno Fernandes." Troy Deeney predicted fifth, telling the BBC: "A solid year, but nothing special. I don't think they have got a great squad so they will be out of the Champions League by February and then they can concentrate on the league."
