Arsenal legend makes Manchester United Premier League title chances claim vs Man City

Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes Manchester United will close the gap at the top of the table to Manchester City in the upcoming season but does not believe the Reds will mount a genuine title charge.

United finished third last season in Erik ten Hag's first campaign in charge of the club. It was a success through the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford, as well as silverware being claimed for the first time since 2017 with the Carabao Cup.

But City won the Treble last season and will be heavy favourites to retain their top flight crown in the 2023/24 campaign. Pep Guardiola's side have won the Premier League title in five out of the last six seasons.

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United have added Mason Mount from Chelsea so far this summer as part of their transfer business. More signings are in the works, including that of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana whom United are closing in on.

United finished the season some 14 points behind the Etihad Stadium club, but Smith rates the signing of Mount and believes the Old Trafford club will close the gap to City next season. However, he believes their ambitions ought to be set on securing top four again and perhaps playing a part in the title race, though without mounting a genuine challenge.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Smith said: "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. They need a striker, no question about that. If