Petit: Manchester United Can Forget the Top Four, They Aren't Equipped For a Title Race

Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has rubbished Manchester United 's chances of challenging for major honours this season.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea star has dismissed United as contenders for their lack of defensive acumen and gaps in their squad, and questioned the mentality that keeps undermining them season after season.

Petit has also given his verdict on Michael Carrick , the summer recruitment, the failings of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw , and why he would still take a risk on United in the Manchester derby .

No Hope

Who Else Could Trouble Arsenal?

Liverpool and Manchester United have no hope this season. They are conceding too many goals just like Chelsea , but I was even less convinced about both clubs and what they did in the transfer market. They are both missing players, and it's hard to see how they can be favoured to finish in the top four, especially together. They may fight over that last place after Arsenal , Manchester City and Chelsea , but that place may go to another team.

Manchester United have not got the insurance in their squad they needed to play Champions League football again. I don't think they will be able to cope with it, and I think they are still missing players for their team too. They haven't resolved their defensive problems. I think there are serious problems at United too because, all of a sudden, they have no idea what they are doing in games; they lose all composure. It doesn't matter if they score two goals; there is no guarantee they will stop the other team coming back, so they cannot win the title this season for this reason. I don't think Manchester United as a club are equipped to deal with a title race at the moment. It's been like this for years now.

Carrick's United

Do You See Any Signs of a Process From Carrick?

I like Michael Carrick , but I don't like what I see from the Manchester United players. It is like they are picking their games sometimes. They can be weak in all areas, but I'm pretty sure they will bring all the right ingredients to play against Manchester City in the Manchester derby . They will play well in that game and make their fans proud of the team, but then after that, in the next game, they will fall down again against a more average team. That's the problem at Manchester United , and consistency is linked to your mentality, especially with what we are seeing at the start of this season.

If you are leading a game 2-0, how many times have Manchester United ended up losing their composure, and suddenly they look like a different team? It is something very weird. I don't recognise Manchester United anymore as a club. I haven't for many years now. The standards are not there. You can change the manager, but at the end of the day, the last few managers have all tried to change the mentality, try and find a different balance to the team tactically, and they never find a solution. It's always the same problem. It's the mentality of the club.

Has Carrick Been Let Down by the Recruitment?

I wasn't happy with Manchester United 's business this summer at all in the transfer market. Every player they picked to sign, if you would ask me, I would have said no. I would have wanted something different, and I would have brought in one or two defenders. Has Michael Carrick been let down by Manchester United this summer? I don't think so because I think he agreed with the players, but sometimes the problem with Manchester United is that they splash big money on the wrong profile of players.

Harry Maguire is not the worst for me. After so much criticism, playing under all that pressure, it was depressing to watch, and it's the same for Luke Shaw . These are two guys who should be the leaders of this team and in the dressing room, but I don't recognise that from them. I think Luke Shaw has been a good left-back in the past, but I can't remember the last time I was amazed by him and his performances, so these guys need to show us something else to prove themselves because they have been at Manchester United for years now. They even had no World Cup football this summer, so they should be fresh and sharp. It was disappointing for Maguire not to go to the World Cup, especially at the same time you play for the most famous club in the world. You have to reach that standard. I can't understand why you see these players stay at Manchester United for years and years; otherwise, if they're not good enough to wear the shirt. I don't get it.

How Far Can United Go in the Champions League?

I think Manchester United will still be in the Champions League after the end of January to make it to the second step, but they won't go any further because the adversity will be huge, and too much for them to cope with.

The Manchester Derby

What's Your Prediction For the Manchester Derby?

You will find many people who would disagree with me, but I would bet on a Manchester United victory in the Manchester derby . Do you know why? I think Manchester City are a better team. I think Manchester City have more confidence than Manchester United right now. I think City have the quality to win at Old Trafford . But I've seen Manchester United perform very well against the top teams, especially at home, so they will know how to prepare for this game in the right way mentally.

I'm sure it would be a hard game for both teams, but I think Manchester United will win this game. There is a chance for Manchester City to win it, of course. It could be a draw too. I just think it's worth taking the risk on Manchester United .

Can Rashford Be United's Derby Day Hero?

I almost thought Marcus Rashford had been injured because we haven't seen him scoring goals, but I think the Manchester derby is the perfect one for him to create that link again with the fans, at home against Manchester City , being the best player on the pitch. That would be wonderful for him.

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