Manchester United are the Premier League team to beat - Joey Barton

MANCHESTER UNITED are the team to beat this season, according to Joey Barton.

Manchester UnitedGETTY

Joey Barton thinks Manchester United are the team to beat this season

Manchester United have started the season strongly with back-to-back 4-0 wins against West Ham and Swansea.

New signings Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku have settled in quickly, with the Belgium striker already racking up three goals.

And Joey Barton thinks the Red Devils will be the team to beat this season, claiming any side finishing above them will be guaranteed the title.

“They haven’t played anybody yet they shouldn’t be expected to beat but they’ve made an exceptional start,” Barton told talkSPORT.

Joey BartonGETTY

Joey Barton thinks any team will do well to finish above Manchester United

Mourinho lauds 'confident' Man Utd after Swansea thrashing

“They’ve really strengthened that spine of the team.

“They already had a top goalkeeper, but they’ve strengthened in the central defensive area.

"Matic in the centre of midfield will help [Paul] Pogba show his talent, Lukaka will get 25 goals minimum this season.

“Then there’s that stat of [Jose] Mourinho always winning the league title in his second season in charge at a club.

“Whoever finishes above Manchester United wins the league.”

United will be looking to make it three wins from three when they face Leicester on Saturday at Old Trafford (5.30pm).

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