Thomas Tuchel makes bold Manchester United title prediction ahead of 2022/23 season

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has boldly predicted Manchester United will challenge for the Premier League title next season.

United brought the curtain down on a dismal season with yet another defeat as they were beaten 1-0 at Crystal Palace on the final day. Despite the loss, they managed to hang on to their Europa League spot thanks to West Ham’s defeat at Brighton.

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag was in the stands to watch his new side in action for the first time, and he will now begin his spell in charge as he lays down his plans for next season. The Dutchman certainly faces a huge task to turn things around at Old Trafford.

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Having been touted as title contenders at the start of the season, United fell well short of challenging eventual champions Manchester City, finishing an astonishing 35 points off the pace. Some pundits have already predicted it will take them at least a couple of years before they can be involved in another title race.

Ten Hag will have his work cut out for him if he is to get United challenging for their first Premier League crown since 2013. However, Tuchel has backed United to be in the hunt next season as he outlined the challenge his own side will face.

"It will be a super tough race,” Tuchel said after his side’s final day win over Watford. “Manchester United will be in the race and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure.

“We want to stay in the race and Liverpool and Man City do everything to make their squads bigger and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we compete.

"We have at the moment a huge disadvantage - that's not decisive yet. There is no need to make excuses now,