Man Utd won’t be as close to title as people think: Chelsea, Arsenal closer – Shay Given

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are second favourites with the bookies to lift their first league title since 2013. 

Rivals Manchester City are the only side ahead of them, with Pep Guardiola heading into his second season in charge, like Mourinho at Old Trafford. 

Former City goalkeeper Given agrees his former side are favourites to finish top but suggests the likes of defending champions Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are ahead of United in the reckoning. 

“I think they will be close but I don’t think they will be as close as some people are making out,” Given said on Sky Sports of United. 

“I think they’ve signed a few good players, (Romelu) Lukaku being the obvious one. 

“But I still think the obvious contenders, Chelsea will still buy a few more players before the window closes, of course Arsenal, and then Tottenham again will look to strengthen. 

“My brother is a Tottenham fan and he’s like ‘why have you not signed any players?’ 

“They’re playing at Wembley and Champions League as well so it will be a big ask for them but they’re still a very good team, they’ve only taken (Kyle) Walker out of that team. 

“For me any team that finishes above Man City will win the league but I fancy them.”

United start their league campaign against Slaven Bilic's West Ham this afternoon (4pm) at Old Trafford.

New signings Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic could make their league debuts for the Red Devils.