Gary Neville can’t believe his own prediction on where Michael Carrick´s new Manchester United will finish 

The future is bright at the Theater of Dreams after the dramatic turnaround under interim manager Michael Carrick. Manchester United have yet to lose under their Carrick, and now the club has reason to believe in a top five finish after a miserable start to the campaign.

Neville in awe of Carrick´s revolution

One of those believers is none other than Carrick´s former teammate turned football pundit, Gary Neville. Neville is one of the many who has been left in amazement at the incredible revival of a club that is coming off of the most disappointing season in their history.

Perhaps no one is more familiar with the club´s inner workings than Neville, who spent two decades with Manchester United. After seeing what Carrick has been able to accomplish in just over a month, the former club captain is convinced of a return to the Champions League next season.

“I think United will definitely finish third. I can’t believe I’m saying that from where they were six weeks ago. But, they’ve got no distractions, something good is going on, all the momentum,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast .

Villa will have it toughest, says Neville

After finishing 15th in the league last year, they had an apathetic start to the season under manager Ruben Amorim, and the club decided to part wats with the Portuguese tactician after their FA Cup exit on January 11th. Since then, Carrick and United are unbeaten in seven matches, winning six and drawing one. They are now third behind Arsenal and Manchester City following their 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

United played in the Europa League last season, getting all the way to the Final before losing to Tottenham. This year they missed out on European play for the first time since 2014-15, but now they look to be returning to the biggest international tournament on the continent.

United are currently third with 51 points, level with fourth placed Aston Villa, and three points ahead of Liverpool. Chelsea are in the neighborhood as well with 45 points, but Neville sees the Villans as the club that will have the toughest time staying in the Top five. “I think Liverpool finish fourth and I think Chelsea will finish fifth. I hope Villa finish in the top five, I really do. I’ve said before that their manager is an experienced and wise guy. If they get some players back; midfield players being injured have cost them in the last few weeks. I just think it will Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. The only doubt will be Chelsea or Villa for fifth,” said Neville.

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