Supercomputer predicts Manchester United's first Premier League season under Erik ten Hag

Manchester United will only marginally improve on their sixth-placed finish this season in their first campaign under new manager Erik ten Hag next term.

That is according to a specialised supercomputer, which is backing United, who officially unveiled Ten Hag as their new manager earlier this week, to finish fifth next term. The Reds finished 11 points behind fifth-placed Arsenal this season, highlighting the size of the challenge that lies ahead for the Dutchman over the coming months.

This season marked United's lowest points tally of the Premier League era and their worst campaign defensively since 1978/79. Ten Hag has his work cut out if he is to make the club a force next season.

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Nevertheless, the supercomputer, which has compiled the latest title and relegation odds for next season courtesy of the SBK betting app, is tipping a slight improvement for the Reds, even though it is not expecting them to return to the top-four. United's current odds for winning the title next term stand at 28/1.

It is cross-city rivals Manchester City that are being backed to win the title for a third consecutive season, with Liverpool, just like they did this season, finishing behind them in second. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, once again, are backed to complete the top-four.

Arsenal, however, are being backed to drop down to seventh, with Newcastle United, who are poised to splash the cash this summer, tipped to finish in sixth. That means they would finish sandwiched between United and the Gunners.

At the other end of the table, already-promoted Bournemouth and Fulham are being tipped for an immediate return to the Championship, filling