Gary Neville has provided some of his predictions for the 2023/24 Premier League season with another interesting claim involving Manchester United and Arsenal. The former right-back turned Sky Sports pundit was slammed on numerous occasions by Arsenal fans for his opinions on Mikel Arteta's side with one particular prediction proving to be rather outlandish.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast in January, he said: "No, [Arsenal] won’t win the league. Manchester City will win the league and I think Manchester United will finish second and I know that’ll annoy Arsenal fans." While the first half of Neville's prediction came true he was left looking rather red faced with Arsenal finishing last season nine points above Man United.
Both clubs have bolstered their squad in the summer transfer window, with Man United getting closer to sealing their third marquee signing. Mason Mount and Andre Onana have already been welcomed and they could be joined by Rasmus Hojlund as Man United are discussing the final terms of a €60million (£51.6million) package deal with Atalanta.
Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber have all joined Arsenal this summer totalling just over £200million spent by Arteta and Edu. Erik ten Hag has improved his squad and although the Gunners currently appear to look stronger in most departments, Neville has explained how Man United can beat Arsenal to second-place while also ruling out any team challenging Man City's domestic dominance.
“It’s all dependent on the budget," he told FourFourTwo. "Under the owners, the club has had, I think they’ll probably still finish in the top four, but I don’t think they’ll improve on it.
“If they got new owners and had £250m or £300m to spend, they’ve got a chance of going up to second. I do think they’ve got a chance of taking that spot off Arsenal – that’s up for grabs – but they’d have to spend well.”
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The two teams met in a pre-season friendly earlier this month with Man United coming out 2-0 victors. Arteta chose to deploy Rice and Havertz alongside Martin Odegaard in his midfield three, but Man United dominated the clash and appeared to give Arteta food for thought on selling Thomas Partey.
"Without a question of a doubt," Arteta responded 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. That’s for sure.
"Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all."
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