Paul Scholes issues controversial prediction for Man Utd’s 2025/26 Premier League position

There is a sense of optimism growing around Manchester United ahead of the 2025/26 season, with many feeling that things will improve compared to last year.

Amorim has made it clear that better days are ahead, but after a 15th-place finish last season, it’s worth asking how much progress can realistically be expected this time around.

During The Overlap’s pre-season fan debate, United’s legend Paul Scholes was asked about his prediction for the Red Devils this season.

“It’s a tricky one, after being so bad last year. Teams can change. We have seen with Nottingham Forest that it does not have to take five to ten years to get back to where you want to be.

“I still think there are issues. Although it is looking better, I still think there are issues with the team – the midfield… top six, I think top six would be more than acceptable at this point.”

Scholes went on to add: “As much as you don’t want to say that, I always think manager should aim for the very best, I just think there are too many good teams, I think your Liverpool’s, your City’s, your Chelsea’s are on the up, Arsenal, I didn’t even mention Aston Villa or Newcastle, I think there is a lot of competition now to get in that top six.”

A top-six finish would meet expectations set by Ineos and represent clear progress from last season. While there are still questions about how Amorim will manage in his first full campaign, guiding United into sixth place would suggest things are moving in the right direction.

Manchester United’s Premier League success hinges on one key factor

There is no clear-cut definition of what success looks like for United this season. It is more about the progress made on the pitch and whether Amorim’s system is starting to take shape.

One thing that will definitely matter to fans, though, is whether the team starts finding the net regularly. Goals will be a big part of how supporters judge this campaign.

Over the summer, United have reshaped their attack, bringing in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – two proven Premier League forwards – to give Amorim more firepower up front.

The club have also added Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig to strengthen their options at striker, with hopes he could become a long-term solution.

If United can hit around 65 points and score 70 goals, that should be enough for a top-six finish, and it would mean massive progress compared to last season.