Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has revealed his bold predictions for the 2025-26 season, backing Ruben Amorim’s side to finish ahead of Chelsea.
The Red Devils have been heavily criticized since the start of this season, losing three of their opening seven Premier League games and suffering a shock exit in the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town.
Head coach Ruben Amorim is therefore under huge pressure and remains one of the frontrunners to become the next Premier League manager, who was sacked after United’s 2-0 win at Sunderland.
This means Amorim and Man United will need to follow up on this win with a more positive result, perhaps starting with Sunday’s game against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
Ahead of this game, Man United are 10th in the Premier League and five points off the Champions League places, but Stam has backed his old club to finish in the top four, ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
“I would pick Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in the top four. Chelsea is a close contest,” Stam said in an interview with Sky Bet.
Read: Amorim plans to sacrifice three academy kids to Newcastle ‘on the cheap’ after Ratcliffe pop
“These five players have the team and stability to compete for Champions League qualification.
“Bournemouth and Crystal Palace could make a push, but it will be difficult to maintain that level throughout the season.
“The big clubs will stay in their position again because of the quality of players they have in their teams.”
In addition to the “quality of players” in Manchester United’s squad, Stamm believes another factor in their favor is that the season is “still early” and “a few wins could change everything”.
“At the beginning of the season I said Manchester United’s goal should be to be in the top four,” Stam added.
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“We’re only a few points away, so it’s not a disaster. It’s still too early. A few wins could change everything. Momentum and confidence comes from winning streaks.”
“If we can build on that, we could be in the top six or even top five. But it’s going to be difficult. Winning matches is always the best medicine.”
Stam also explained why he thinks Arsenal can beat Liverpool to the Premier League title this season.
“Arsenal can win the league this season,” Stam insisted.
“Mikel Arteta has built a team with quality and a clear style of play that is difficult to play against. The owners are also supporting him and you can see the progress.
“They’ve spent a lot of money on reinforcements and that shows ambition. Now they need to take the next step and by spending that money they’re showing they want to take the next step.”
“Thanks to their depth, they are able to rotate and maintain quality. They are consistent in their play. They are at the top of the league and now they need to maintain that until the end of the season.”
“I’m not saying Mikel Arteta’s job should be in immediate jeopardy[if Arsenal don’t win a trophy]but the pressure will be on.
“When you have a lot of support and investment, expectations are high. The club expects progress and trophies. If you’re the manager of Arsenal, you know that and that’s what you’re there for.
“If that doesn’t happen, of course there will be questions, which is normal in football. But there’s still a long season ahead and they’re in a strong position.”
