Jaap Stam has surprisingly included struggling Manchester United in his Premier League top-four prediction for the season.
Ruben Amorim is fighting to save his job at Old Trafford after a poor start to the 2025-26 season.
Manchester United have only won three of their first seven league games and sit just 10th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against Liverpool.
Amorim’s side are already out of the Carabao Cup after suffering an embarrassing defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
Despite United’s miserable form, Stam says the start of the season ‘has not been a disaster’ for his former club and has backed them to finish in the top-four.
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Arsenal are top of the table ahead of the return of the Premier League this weekend, one point above defending champions Liverpool who have suffered a surprising dip, losing three games in a row.
Stam expects Liverpool to overtake Arsenal to defend their Premier League trophy and has left Club World Cup champions Chelsea out of his top-four prediction.
‘I would pick Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United for the top four, with Chelsea in close contention,’ Stam told Sky Bet.
‘These five have the squads and consistency to compete for the Champions League places.
‘Bournemouth or Crystal Palace could make a push, but it’s hard to maintain that level through the season.
Jaap Stam’s Premier League top-four prediction
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
‘The big clubs will end up there again because of the quality of players they have in their squad.’
Pressed on United’s hopes for the season, Stam added: ‘At the start of the season, I said the top four should be the target for Manchester United.
‘They’re only a few points off that, so it’s not a disaster. It’s still early; a few wins can change everything. Momentum and confidence come from back-to-back victories.
‘If they can build that, they can finish in the top six, maybe even top five, though it’ll be tough. Winning games is always the best medicine.’
Arsenal are desperate to finally win the Premier League after finishing second for the past three seasons.
The three-time runners-up were bolstered over the summer with over £250m spent on new signings, including prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, Euros winner Martin Zubimendi and England star Noni Madueke.
‘Arsenal can win the league this season,’ said Stam, who won the Premier League three times with Manchester United.
‘Mikel Arteta has built a team with quality and a clear playing style that’s hard to play against. The owners have backed him, and you can see the progress.
‘They’ve spent a lot to strengthen, which shows ambition. Now they need to make that next step and by spending the amount they have, they’ve shown they want to take that next step.
‘With their depth, they can rotate and keep up the quality. They’re consistent with how they’re playing; they are top of the league and now they need to keep it up until the end of the season.
‘I wouldn’t say Mikel Arteta’s job should immediately be on the line [if Arsenal don’t win any trophies], but there will be pressure.
‘When you’ve been backed and invested heavily, expectations rise. The club will expect progress and trophies. When you are the manager of Arsenal, that’s what you know and that’s what you’re there for.
‘If that doesn’t happen, of course questions come. That’s normal in football. But there’s still a long season ahead, and they’re in a strong position.’
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