Darren Bent believes Manchester United will be boosted by West Ham and Arsenal's failure to strengthen in the January transfer window.
While the Reds didn't welcome any additions last month, nor did their Champions League rivals with the Gunners offloading their out-of-favour ex-captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
United return to Premier League action in a strong position ahead of their trip to Burnley, occupying fourth ahead of the Hammers, Tottenham Hotspur and Mikel Arteta's side.
And the former Aston Villa striker believes Ralf Rangnick's men will be "rubbing their hands" going into the business end of the season.
He told talkSPORT: "They've let all these players go without bringing anyone in, when you look at the top four situation which is wide open.
"The likes of Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham you see them strengthening with one midfielder and an attacker then add Arsenal to the mix, what have Arsenal done to strengthen their top-four chances?
"If anything they've gone backwards, I get Aubameyang was left out the squad, Maitland-Niles, Chambers these guys aren't good enough to play week-in, week-out but they're just extra bodies in case the worst comes to worst and you're hit with injuries, COVID, suspensions.
"I guess West Ham fans will be in the same boat, they've not done any business and they'll be thinking this has been a poor window. If you're Spurs or Manchester United you're absolutely rubbing your hands together thinking 'well that's them out the mix.'"
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