Former England star Joe Cole has tipped Manchester United to finish outside the top four again after what he describes as a “reset” under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag has overseen some impressive performances during pre-season, including a 4-0 victory in a friendly against Liverpool which showed what the Dutchman can bring to Old Trafford. Still, after watching the Red Devils finish 13 points outside the top four last term - not to mention 34 behind his old employers Liverpool - Cole can’t see them making up enough ground.
The 40-year-old was at Anfield in 2012, when Brendan Rodgers took over as manager after a difficult few years for the club, and has likened United’s current situation to that facing the Reds more than a decade ago. Liverpool were able to build, eventually challenging for titles and top-four finishes once more, but Cole thinks such a thing is beyond Man Utd this season.
