- Former Manchester United predicts open title race in 2026/27
- Expects Michael Carrick’s side to benefit from Guardiola’s shock departure
- United’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson could be boosted
As Manchester United‘s Premier League season comes to a close this weekend, there is little left to play for at the top, as Arsenal clinched the league title last night (19 May).
Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth helped the Gunners secure their first title in 22 years under Mikel Arteta. Much of the talk before the game was also about Pep Guardiola’s impending departure, which has not yet been officially confirmed.
The departure of one of modern football’s greatest ever managers is set to have repercussions into next season of English football – perhaps to the benefit of United.
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Rooney Predicts Wide Open Title Race
Speaking to the BBC via Metro, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was discussing some bold predictions for the Premier League title race next season. The former striker likened Guardiola’s departure to that of his former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, in 2013.
He said: “There’s no way they [Manchester City] will be as successful. I think the issue Man City will have is obviously you’ve seen how difficult it was to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, how difficult it even was even for Unai Emery when he went in at Arsenal and how difficult he found it to replace Arsene Wenger.”
Rooney continued: “I don’t think it’ll be the replacing him. I think it’s the respect which he commands and the influence and the pull in signing players. You’ll have City with a new manager, Chelsea with a new manager, Man United, Liverpool potentially with a new manager.”
Arguably, the Premier League will not have a world-class manager within English football for the first time since its inception in the early 1990’s. It’s an unprecedented era for many teams to enter, which does put Michael Carrick‘s United on a level playing field.
Moreover, Arne Slot could leave Liverpool after underperforming during the recent campaign. Arteta will face pressure to defend Arsenal’s newly won Premier League title. Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to bounce back under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
Rooney also shared an optimistic prediction for his old club: “Hopefully, Man United will do well and get closer to the title. The Premier League next season will be wide open to see who wins that title.”
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Pep’s Exit Boosts Bid to Sign Anderson
One way that the former Barcelona boss’ departure could positively affect the Reds is in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson. One of the major roadblocks was the allure of the Forest midfielder playing under Pep at City. Instead, it could be Enzo Maresca leading the side out next season. That does not have quite the same appeal.
This shift could potentially blow the door wide open for INEOS to make their move. This would allow them to leverage Old Trafford’s pull to bring in Anderson as Casemiro‘s replacement. Ultimately, Guardiola’s exit moves United one step closer to the “2028 vision” spearheaded by INEOS to bring the Premier League trophy back to the club.
It is a mission that is unexpectedly moving much quicker than anticipated. United’s return to the UEFA Champions League next season will test the water in their quality against high-level opposition.
