Ex-Manchester United defender Steve Bruce has downplayed the Red Devils' chances of winning the Premier League this season, labelling the reigning champions Arsenal as the main favourites.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners clinched the title last spring, finishing seven points clear and ending a 22-year wait for silverware. Bruce believes the London side not only retained their championship core but have also strengthened further through astute signings.
Responding to bold predictions from former goalkeeper Ben Foster, who tipped Manchester United to finish atop the table, Bruce said during a talkSPORT segment:
I think that's overly optimistic and perhaps a bit premature. I’d love to say he’s right! But I still reckon Arsenal are the team to beat, and doing that is incredibly difficult. They've also bolstered their squad by signing Bruno Guimaraes to partner Declan Rice, and as far as I know, they’re expecting one or two more players to come in.
They won the last championship comfortably, didn’t they? So they're definitely the main force.
Without a doubt, Manchester United have made significant strides forward. Qualifying for the Champions League was a massive achievement for Michael Carrick. But are they ready to challenge for the title right now? I’m not so sure.
Bruce also praised current United manager Michael Carrick for simplifying the team’s playing style following Ruben Amorim’s departure. Under Carrick, the team has soared from seventh to third place and made their return to European football.
However, he cautioned that re-entering the Champions League—potentially adding 40 to 60+ matches to their season—will pose a fundamentally new challenge for the revamped United.
Before the Premier League kicks off, Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, while the Gunners will begin their league campaign against Coventry. Manchester United will start their journey with an away fixture against Hull City on August 22.
