Michael Owen has stated that only two clubs can rival Arsenal for the Premier League title next season.
Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time since 2003/04. They recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City with four straight wins, ultimately clinching the trophy after Manchester City dropped points to Bournemouth.
Owen Expects Challenges From Manchester Clubs
Owen believes Arsenal’s sternest test next season will come from the two big Manchester clubs, who finished second and third respectively.
‘I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,’ Owen told Metro.
Owen stated, ‘I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves, they ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.’
He added that ‘it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender.’
Owen feels that Liverpool will hope to challenge, but ‘they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.’
Carrick’s Impact at Manchester United
Manchester United confirmed the permanent appointment of Carrick after his form since taking over in January.
Since Carrick’s appointment, Manchester United have collected 36 points. Owen is confident that Carrick can have the Red Devils contending for the title over a full season next time around.
United as Dark Horses?
‘Given how long it’s been since Manchester United challenged for the title, Manchester United can be dark horses,’ Owen added.
Owen noted that ‘From finishing bottom half under Amorim last year, Michael Carrick has come in and down an excellent job for Man Utd to finish 3rd, so there is scope for them to improve further.’
City are set to undergo a major summer of transition after Pep Guardiola confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is being widely touted as the likely replacement, with the Italian reportedly keen to bring Enzo Fernandez to the Etihad as his first big summer signing.
Owen is UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org.