Former England international Jonathan Woodgate believes the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at the club will be enough for Manchester United to secure a top-four finish this season.
The Red Devils have been in dire form in recent weeks but, even though he has been impressed with Arsenal, Woodgate believes Ronaldo will be the deciding factor in the battle for Champions League places:
“It’s a tough call for that final spot in the top four. I think I’d have to put Man United in. Arsenal have really impressed me. Mikel Arteta has been under immense pressure but I love what he’s doing with that team at the moment. He’s going to be a top, top manager. I love his style of play, I love how much he believes in his younger players. I just think top four is too much of an ask for them this season – I think the Cristiano Ronaldo effect gets United into the top four.”
It does seem unlikely that Ronaldo will be able to drag United all the way to a fourth-place finish on his own, considering the team’s recent performances. With there being no sign that a change of manager is imminent, it is hard to be confident about the Manchester club’s chances in the league.
Woodgate was also asked about who will win the title. He believes Chelsea are the favourites, simply due to their excellent defensive record this season, whilst Liverpool and Manchester City will be competing for second and third.
