Alan Smith expects Man Utd to close the gap on Man City in Erik ten Hag’s second season
Alan Smith expects Manchester United to ‘close the gap’ on Manchester City next season but doubts they will be strong enough to challenge for the Premier League title.
The Red Devils finished third in Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, nine points behind Arsenal and 14 adrift of treble-winners Man City.
United briefly threatened to mount a title challenge as they beat Manchester City at home in January, but an inconsistent run of form saw them slip out of the race.
There were reasons to be optimistic, however, as ex-Ajax boss Ten Hag guided Manchester United to their first trophy since 2017 and secured a return to the Champions League.
Alan Smith Believes Man Utd Can Close the Gap on Man City
Former Arsenal striker Smith believes United will continue to improve under Ten Hag but doubts they will be in a position to challenge for the title, especially if they fail to sign a new striker this summer.
‘I think that Manchester United can close the gap on their city rivals, but not to the extent where they’re challenging them for the Premier League title,’ Smith told Gambling Zone.
‘They need a striker, no question about that. If they could get an A-grade striker, that would make a big difference.
Mason Mount is a Good Signing for Man Utd
‘Mason Mount is a good signing. I don’t think United are going to go far wrong with him. I’ve really got a lot of time for Mason Mount.