Gary Neville believe the signing of Christiano Ronaldo has brought Manchester United into the title Conversation, though, he still feels Manchester city and Chelsea are still favourite to claim the Premier league glory this season.
The Red devils confirmed on Friday that they’ve agreed on a deal with Juventus to bring back the Portuguese superstar to old Trafford, subject to the 36-year-old agreeing a personal terms and completing a medical test.
“I made the prediction that it would be Manchester city, Chelsea and Manchester United [in that order] and I’m not going to change the because of the signing of Ronaldo,” Neville told Sky sport on Saturday following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
“I’m going to stick to that because I don’t think the Ronaldo signing makes them a better team than Chelsea, who were the champions league winner last season, or Manchester City who were 20 points clear.
“Absolutely it brings them closer to winning the title, it will absolutely get them closer, but I don’t think it will win them the title at this point? no I don’t. But now I’m more excited about Manchester United challenging for the title than I was maybe five or six days ago.
“I don’t think they will. I want them to. Christiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane will have the mentality to win United the title. There’s no doubts, but if I had to ou6my house on it now, do I think they’ll win the title this season? No. But I’m desperate for them to win the title, I’m just being pragmatic.
“I think there’s an element you have to be in for this players if you’re Manchester United. Whether that wins you the title or no, I’m unsure. It gives them a far battle chance than they had 48 hours ago.
“He’s not coming for champions league places, he’s coming for personal accolades and titles. There’s no doubt about that. I hope that he can be the difference, because if he gets 10% out if every other player there’s a big chance. There’s a big chance.
“But let’s be clear Manchester city have been exceptional for the Last three or four seasons. Chelsea just won the champions league and now they’ve a better team this season, so they’re also against the best two teams in Europe, there if you count Liverpool.
“The Premier league is at the highest standard it has been for a long, long time, it’s not an easy Premier league this one, it’s got back to the top levelbin Europe and I think Manchester United are up against really good sides.
“in years gone by I might have said this Man United team will win the title by ten points, but it’s such a strong Premier league this one.”