by Lewis Ambrose

Manchester United icon Paddy Crerand expects Arsenal to be in the mix for the Premier League title this season.

During his playing career, Crerand won two Division One titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup for Manchester United and still works for the club now, commentating for MUTV.

Now the Irishman has praised the work of Arsenal in recent transfer windows, yet thinks his own Manchester United are only good enough to finish fourth once again.

“If they make the correct signings, I look at the league next year and think, well who’s going to be winning the league?,” Crerand said.

“And I think, well, Chelsea, City, maybe Arsenal.”

Chelsea won the league comfortably last season but are yet to strengthen in the transfer window. A renaissance in form saw Arsenal almost finish second, but Manchester City clinched that place despite a largely disappointing season.

The goalkeeping position has been an issue for Arsène Wenger’s side for a number of years but the Gunners have now added Petr Čech from Chelsea

“Arsenal have made a good signing and they’ll be in that as well.”

However, Crerand is not expecting too much of his beloved Manchester United, who are heading into their second campaign under Louis van Gaal, only tipping them as the fourth most likely team to win the league.

“I think if United will be the fourth one that could win the championship. I don’t think Chelsea are going to find it as easy this year as they did last year.”

There is some solace for United fans – after all, fourth is a trophy!