Paul Merson makes first major prediction for Man Utd in 2024/25 Premier League season as ‘tough now’ claim is made

The Red Devils have managed just 18 league wins, with United losing 14 games and drawing six in a poor Premier League campaign.

United finished level on points with seventh-placed Newcastle and three points behind sixth-placed Chelsea, with the Red Devils failing to mount a top-four challenge.

Erik ten Hag’s side finished eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the league table and missed out on Champions League qualification for the 2024-25 season.

United also failed to defend their Carabao Cup title and Ten Hag’s men crashed out of the Champions League after finishing bottom of Group A with just one win.

However, United boss Ten Hag managed to end the season on a high note after the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final last month.

The ten Hag lifted his second hat-trick as United boss at Wembley in May after failing to win the FA Cup at Manchester City in 2023.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe says ‘three things’ he needs to do at Man Utd as a result depends on tackling two issues

Merson predicts Man Utd

Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson has already tipped Manchester United to turn things around in the 2024-25 campaign after an up-and-down season.

United are expected to strengthen this summer after Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe captured a minority stake and became part owner of the club in 2023.

The Red Devils will also see the departure of first-team players this summer, including defender Raphael Varane and striker Anthony Martial.

Merson insisted the Premier League landscape has changed and the challenge for the top four is “tough now”.

The 56-year-old Arsenal hero believes both Tottenham and Chelsea will challenge for the top four, with Merson adding that United can only get “better”.

“I have a feeling for next season,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“I think Tottenham have to focus on one thing. I think the top four, Chelsea will be there, Man Utd can only get better – the top four is tough now.”

READ MORE: Steve Bruce highlights Man Utd legend who was just a ‘natural’ class of ’92 talent, never seen him out of breath

Steve Bruce wants Ten Hag to stay

Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains up in the air despite the Dutchman lifting the FA Cup with United last season.

The former Ajax boss is under contract until 2025, but the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has thrown Ten Hag’s long-term future at the club into question.

Speaking to talkSPORT, United legend Steve Bruce admitted he wants the Ten Hag to stay at Old Trafford for the 2024-25 season.

“I hope Ten Hag stays, I really do,” he said in May.

“But when you read all the stuff in the papers, I fear for him because he doesn’t just come out of nowhere.

“There’s a lot of rumors and speculation.”

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