Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has tipped Aston Villa to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League this season.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to build on the highs of last season after guiding the Red Devils to silverware in the Carabao Cup and a third-placed finish in the league.
To help boost their chances, United have added Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund to their ranks as they seek to challenge bitter rivals Manchester City for the title.
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Aston Villa, meanwhile, have been busy in the summer transfer market following a successful 2022/23 campaign which saw them qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Unai Emery signed Youri Tielemans from Leicester on a free, along with Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby for a combined fee of €88 (£76m).
And Warnock reckons the West Midlands club's summer business could give them the edge over United, believing that they will finish above them in the league table and qualify for the Champions League.
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The 41-year-old also reckoned that Manchester City would make it four consecutive Premier League titles in a row, predicting Arsenal and Liverpool would finish second and third.
Explaining his predictions, Warnock told BBC Sport: "United were bailed out massively last season by Marcus Rashford's incredible form after the World Cup, but he couldn't sustain that and I am not sure they have got anyone else who can take over when he's not in top form."
In fact, 26 out of 27 pundits tipped City to win the league, apart from former England international Ellen White who has backed the Gunners to claim their first title in over 20 years.
The majority of pundits chose Arsenal to finish second, barring Leon Osman and Steve Sidwell who opted for Manchester United, while Shay Given tipped Liverpool for second prize. On the other hand, former Arsenal midfielder Fara Williams reckons Chelsea will finish second.
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Chris Waddle, Rachel Brown-Finnis and Pat Nevin all backed Newcastle to finish third.
Topics: Aston Villa, Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams