Andy Townsend: This is where Man United will finish this season

SEP 20, 2017

Former Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend feels Manchester United will be one of the main contenders for the Premier League title this term. The Red Devils have made a sublime start to the campaign under Jose Mourinho, who is aiming to secure the English crown in his second year in charge.

Mourinho’s side have looked convincing in the first month of the season with three victories by a 4-0 scoreline including last weekend’s triumph over Everton at Old Trafford. Speaking on The Debate on Sky Sports, Townsend believes United could beat Manchester City to the Premier League title this term as Mourinho is capable of maintaining the team’s performance over the course of the season.

“I think United will be really close this year, I really do. I think City clearly have an amazing squad, and when they play at their very best, they produce a level of football few can get close to.I think over course and distance, Jose Mourinho’s sides have always been ultra-competitive,” he said.

“I do feel that United will be very, very close. Jose will do whatever it takes to win. Whether that means leaving players out, playing them in different positions, over these 10 months I think he’ll always be right in there with this United team.”

Both United and City have identical records at with 13 points each, but United could take advantage of their relatively easier fixture list involving Southampton and Crystal Palace before the international break.

Pep Guardiola’s side, on the other hand, have a tough trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea later this month, and any drop in points could potentially give United a slender lead ahead of their visit to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool next month.