Premier League
Gary Neville has backtracked on his previous prediction that Manchester United would finish above Arsenal this season, admitting that the Red Devils are ‘too far behind’ their rivals.
The former United defender had previously said that he expected his old club to finish above the Gunners in the Premier League table this season, but he has now conceded that the gap between the two sides is too great for that to happen.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Neville said: “I think it’s too far behind now. I think Arsenal have got too much of a lead.
“I think it’s too far behind now. I think Arsenal have got too much of a lead. I think it’s too far behind now. I think Arsenal have got too much of a lead.”
The former England international had previously said that he expected United to finish above Arsenal this season, but he has now conceded that the gap between the two sides is too great for that to happen.
He added: “I think it’s too far behind now. I think Arsenal have got too much of a lead. I think it’s too far behind now. I think Arsenal have got too much of a lead.”
The Gunners currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, eight points ahead of United, who are in sixth place.
Arsenal have been in impressive form this season, winning nine of their last 11 league games, while United have been inconsistent, winning just four of their last 11 matches.
The two sides are set to meet in the Premier League on Sunday, with Arsenal looking to extend their lead over United to 11 points.
It is a far cry from the situation at the start of the season, when Neville predicted that United would finish above Arsenal.
However, the former United defender has now admitted that the gap between the two sides is too great for that to happen, and he has conceded that Arsenal are likely to finish above United this season.
It is a stark admission from Neville, who has been a vocal critic of United’s performances this season.
The Red Devils have struggled to find any consistency this season, and they have been unable to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish.
It remains to be seen whether United can turn their season around and finish above Arsenal, but Neville’s admission that the gap is too great suggests that it is unlikely.