Arsenal legend Paul Merson makes Manchester United title prediction

Paul Merson has rated Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League next season following their impressive revival under Michael Carrick.

Sitting sixth at the time of Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January, United have climbed to third in the Premier League since Carrick’s appointment as caretaker manager.

Manchester United have been one of most in-form teams in Europe since Carrick took over, losing just one of their last ten games.

With the top-five Premier League teams qualifying for next season’s Champions League, United look set to return to Europe’s top club competition.

It has also been suggested that Manchester United could once again challenge for the Premier League title, a trophy they have not won since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

But Merson says United are still ‘not ready’ to ‘fight for the title’, insisting they need to bolster their squad this summer and prove they can be a more competitive force before being regarded as title contenders.

The ex-Arsenal and England winger does expect Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League but has predicted they will drop points against relegation-battlers Leeds United in their next outing on Monday night.

The Red Devils have had almost a whole month off since their last game, a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth back on March 20.

‘This is a big rivalry,’ Merson told Sportskeeda. ‘Leeds are playing well at the moment, but they can’t find a goal.

‘I thought they did well against Manchester City, couldn’t score. Same with the Sunderland game as well.

‘If you look at the fixtures, Manchester United should have enough to qualify for the Champions League next season. But this is still a difficult game.

‘If Chelsea beat Manchester City and United drew with Leeds, a win for the Blues in the match against them next weekend would mean they are just two points ahead of Rosenior’s team! That’s how tight it is.

‘I don’t think Manchester United are ready to fight for the title next season. They need a few more players to come in. I don’t see them being competitive over 38 games with the same team.

‘Manchester United’s focus should only be on getting back in the Champions League. If they can stay in that competition, it gives them good money to build their squad

‘Now we’re used to seeing them play just once a week, but that isn’t where this club belongs and they need to get back up there quick.

‘I have a feeling Leeds will get a point here, I’ll go with a 1-1 draw.’

Despite Manchester United’s impressive revival under Carrick, Old Trafford bosses are yet to decide on their next permanent manager.

United’s Amad Diallo recently backed Carrick for the role, saying: ‘From a personal view he’s the right man. He has a lot of experience; he knows the club and has the DNA.

‘His relationship with every player is very good. Sometimes this kind of manager can bring the club where they belong.

‘It’s not the players who decide but my honest opinion is we’re really happy to have Michael Carrick as a manager.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.