Jaap Stam predicts where Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea will finish in Premier League | Football

Jaap Stam has surprisingly included struggling Manchester United in his Premier League top-four prediction for the season.

Ruben Amorim is fighting to save lots of his job at Old Trafford after a poor begin to the 2025-26 season.

Manchester United have only won three of their first seven league games and sit just tenth within the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against Liverpool.

Amorim’s side are already out of the Carabao Cup after suffering an embarrassing defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.

Despite United’s miserable form, Stam says the beginning of the season ‘has not been a disaster’ for his former club and has backed them to complete within the top-four.

Arsenal are top of the table ahead of the return of the Premier League this weekend, one point above defending champions Liverpool who’ve suffered a surprising dip, losing three games in a row.

Stam expects Liverpool to overtake Arsenal to defend their Premier League trophy and has left Club World Cup champions Chelsea out of his top-four prediction.

‘I might pick Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United for the highest 4, with Chelsea in close contention,’ Stam told Sky Bet.

‘These five have the squads and consistency to compete for the Champions League places.

‘Bournemouth or Crystal Palace could make a push, but it surely’s hard to take care of that level through the season.

‘The massive clubs will find yourself there again due to quality of players they’ve of their squad.’

Pressed on United’s hopes for the season, Stam added: ‘Initially of the season, I said the highest 4 needs to be the goal for Manchester United.

‘They’re only a couple of points off that, so it’s not a disaster. It’s still early; a couple of wins can change every little thing. Momentum and confidence come from back-to-back victories.

‘In the event that they can construct that, they will finish in the highest six, possibly even top five, though it’ll be tough. Winning games is at all times the most effective medicine.’

Arsenal are eager to finally win the Premier League after ending second for the past three seasons.

The three-time runners-up were bolstered over the summer with over £250m spent on recent signings, including prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, Euros winner Martin Zubimendi and England star Noni Madueke.

‘Arsenal can win the league this season,’ said Stam, who won the Premier League 3 times with Manchester United.

‘Mikel Arteta has built a team with quality and a transparent playing style that’s hard to play against. The owners have backed him, and you’ll be able to see the progress.

‘They’ve spent rather a lot to strengthen, which shows ambition. Now they should make that next step and by spending the quantity they’ve, they’ve shown they need to take that next step.

‘With their depth, they will rotate and sustain the standard. They’re consistent with how they’re playing; they’re top of the league and now they should stick with it until the top of the season.

‘I wouldn’t say Mikel Arteta’s job should immediately be on the road [if Arsenal don’t win any trophies], but there shall be pressure.

‘While you’ve been backed and invested heavily, expectations rise. The club will expect progress and trophies. When you find yourself the manager of Arsenal, that’s what you already know and that’s what you’re there for.

‘If that doesn’t occur, after all questions come. That’s normal in football. But there’s still a protracted season ahead, and so they’re in a robust position.’

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