'Why not?' - Nani makes bold Premier League prediction for Manchester United

Former Manchester United winger Nani (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United star Nani sees no reason why the Red Devils can’t contend for the Premier League title this season under Ruben Amorim .

Amorim found himself under immediate pressure at the start of the season as United won just two of their first six league games, while his side were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup following a surprise defeat to Grimsby Town.

However, a 2-0 victory at home to Sunderland before the international break has sparked an upturn in form as United went on to beat Liverpool at Anfield before they ran out 4-2 winners at home to Brighton last weekend .

That run of form has United up to sixth in the table, just one point off the top four and a point ahead of defending champions and arch-rivals Liverpool.

A virtually imperious start from Arsenal has installed Mikel Arteta ’s side as the heavy favourites to win their first league title since 2003/04.

The Gunners sit four points clear of Bournemouth in second place, and have won their last six games in all competitions without conceding a goal.

However, while some have already begun crowning Arsenal as champions-elect , Nani is confident that this season still has plenty more twists and turns left in it.

Ruben Amorim’s side have won three league games in a row (Picture: Getty)

And the 38-year-old even suggested that his former side could be surprise contenders if they can continue to build on their good recent form.

‘Why not?’ Nani told Covers.com . ‘They are building a strong team and are trying to get back into real competition with the teams that are always at the top of the table: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man City. So, they are there now. They have the possibility.

‘If they win the next few games, everything can change. So, we never know. Let’s keep on winning games and then we’ll see.

The Red Devils are six points behind league leaders Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘If it’s not this year, maybe they will get the confidence for next season. So, let’s see.

‘Not being in Europe helps on one side, yes, but obviously everyone likes to see the team in European competitions because in the middle of the week, when you don’t see your team there, you get frustrated.

‘But for this time, for what they are trying to build, it’s better because there is more time to prepare the team and to train the players. Sometimes when players have too much pressure, it’s difficult to manage the physical side.

@metrosportuk Which rivalry is the best in the Premier League? 🤔⚔️ After Manchester United won their first game against Liverpool at Anfield in 10 years following a late Harry Maguire header, Jack and Charlie discuss whether the fixture is the biggest rivalry in Premier League HISTORY. #manchesterunited #liverpool #premierleague #rivalry #arsenal ♬ original sound – Metro Sport – Metro Sport

‘I think if there are no competitions in the middle of the week, it’s easier, and then they can work tactically and on a lot of other things to prepare for the weekends.’

Analysing his former side’s start to the season, Nani said he had been left particularly impressed by United’s new-look front-three, who all combined to good affect during their most recent win against Brighton.

‘I’ve been watching the team and I’m really happy,’ Nani added. ‘The performance of a couple of the new players shows they are gaining confidence and starting to display their qualities.

‘Obviously, it’s the beginning of the season, and we know they will perform much better in the middle of the season. The new guys, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko have been fantastic players for the team. They’ve shown their quality and personality.

‘They first demonstrate sacrifice for the team, they run. Sometimes we can see them run too much and then they get tired in the middle of the second half, but that’s good because we know they will get their reward later in the season.

‘They will score goals, run less, and play more relaxed—that’s football. But so far, these three players add a lot of quality to the team and are helping a lot. They’ve been scoring goals, being very productive, and involved in every match. And that’s what we want for each player who comes to the club.’

United are looking to make it four consecutive league wins for the first time since February 2024 as they travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend.

For more stories like this, check our sport page .