Ray Parlour believes Manchester United have every chance of winning the 2024 Premier League title after naming the three players who can oversee their push and the one thing Erik ten Hag needs to ensure glory.
United have been upwardly mobile under Ten Hag since the Dutchman’s appointment last summer. Indeed, to prove their shift in momentum, United collected their first trophy in six years on Sunday as Newcastle were beaten 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.
That could be the start of big things to come, though, with United also playing for a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. Furthermore, the club will also have strong hopes of winning the Europa League, having seen off the much-fancied Barcelona over two legs.
Next up, is another tricky test against Spanish opponents in the form of Real Betis.
In addition, United still have an outside chance of Premier League title glory. They currently sit six points behind Manchester City with a game in hand and a further two points adrift of table-topping Arsenal.
However they finish the season, there is little doubting United have performed better than expected under the Dutchman. And hopes will be burning bright that the club can improve further next season with United potentially looking to end what is a 10-year wait for title success.
That is certainly an outcome Ian Wright can forsee. And he is urging the club to break the bank to sign one player in particular to nudge them towards that dream.
Now his former Arsenal teammate Ray Parlour also reckons a 2024 title pursuit is on for United.
Ten Hag can steer Man Utd to title glory in 2024
And speaking to aceodds, Parlour reckons the appointment of Ten Hag has been key. He also reckons that more strong signings this summer can help the club become an even greater force.
“What a signing Erik ten Hag has been,” Parlour said. “I didn’t doubt him at the start of him coming in.
“He had a few problems, obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo was his big problem. Trying to get rid of him, which he done in the end, and now you see them playing with so much confidence.
“I think they’ve improving as a team again. There’s probably going to be investment again in Manchester United in the summer. They could be a real force next year. I believe they can be.
“I think they’ll certainly be challenging for the title next year but this season I think they will finish third.
“They will try to chase down Man City and Arsenal, but I think they’ll be third. That though will be Champions League football, which will be so important for the club as well. But I think next season, they could have a real go.
“If they can get the recruitment right again in summer and bring in a couple of real top class players.”
Parlour names trio Man Utd can build side around
Parlour also reckons there are three players in particular who United can stage a title push around.
“Casemiro has been a great signing for the midfield, very calm and knows exactly how to win trophies. [Marcus] Rashford’s been amazing. Then you’ve got people like [Jadon] Sancho who could suddenly now, find his feet after problems he’s had.
“I think Ten Hag has been a brilliant signing for Manchester United’s point of view. If he gets a bit of help from the board, I’m certain they’ll be one of the favourites next year for the title.”
United’s progress under Ten Hag has also been heralded by another Dutch coach in Arne Slot. The Feyenoord boss was recently linked with Leeds United. However, he opted to stay amid the Rotterdam club’s push for Eredivisie glory.
However, Slot has been impressed by the job Ten Hag has done.
“Erik is doing great and that is fantastic for the entire Dutch trainers’ guild,” Slot told FCUpdate.
“It took quite a long time before a number of great trainers from the Netherlands got a successor. That seems to me to be the case with Ten Hag.
“Certainly the way it happens and how praiseworthy it is spoken about is a positive development for me and all Dutch people.”
