Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has made a major prediction about his former side and he believes two players will be key if it is to happen.
Manchester United ended 2025 with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Wolves, which has left them sixth in the Premier League table.
Ruben Amorim’s side continue to be inconsistent and there is pressure for things to improve in the second half of the campaign.
The current stage of the season seems to be very important. With a run of good form, United could rise into third while some more poor results could lead to them slipping down the table.
Several quality players joined the club in the summer, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo being the standouts so far.
Schmeichel makes major United prediction
Peter Schmeichel has been speaking about his former side and where he sees them finishing the season following a mixed opening half of the campaign.
The legendary goalkeeper does not believe the Reds will move far from where they are currently and predicts a fifth or sixth-place finish.
If United were to end in fifth, they could secure Champions League football and Schmeichel states that Mbeumo and Cunha will be key to that happening.
“I think fifth or sixth,” he told Viaplay, as per the Metro.
“Fifth is good, but they’re fighting with another couple of clubs that are doing quite well. But I think that’s the level that Manchester United are at.”
“With the signings of [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo, they should be able to do fifth or sixth,” he explained.
Schmeichel added: “If fifth gives access to the Champions League, I’d be delighted.”
United need Champions League football
While reports have suggested that United’s aim is to return to any kind of European competition for next season, the current situation means that Champions League football should be required.
The Premier League right now does not have many teams who look like they can compete for those top positions. Other than Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal, everyone is dropping points and looking inconsistent.
When you add that United are only playing once a week and that there could be five qualifying spots, Amorim’s side must view that Champions League football is the aim for the season.
Like Schmeichel said, in order to finish in that fifth place position, United will need the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha to continue impressing.
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