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Man Utd 'won't make Champions League spots' due to major concern and Bruno Fernandes factor
Jul 26 2026 10:47 · By Samuel Meade/Sports Brand Writer · 3 Reads
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Manchester United won't make the Champions League places next season according to Troy Deeney - who believes they'll struggle with the added amount of games.
The Red Devils enjoyed a huge renaissance under Michael Carrick , who took charge in January. They had been inconsistent until his arrival before going on an impressive run, winning 12 of their final 17 games to finish third.
That run came with United not in any European competition and out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle. It means, from January, they only had their Premier League assignments to focus on, which was advantageous.
They will not enjoy that benefit again as Carrick looks to prove himself across a full season - and Deeney cannot see Bruno Fernandes having the same level of influence. The Portuguese playmaker won numerous individual accolades and set the record for assists.
He told talkSPORT : "I don’t think they’ll make the Champions League places right now. The reason is we don’t know what Carrick’s like with three games in a week at this level. Obviously, we saw a bit of Championship, but not at this level.
"Now, having to look at the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cups, Carabao Cups, you can’t go out as early as you have done in previous years. There’s an expectation now to do more. Bruno Fernandes, do you really think he’s going to have the season he had last season again this season?
"I just think that with the squad currently constructed as is, I don’t think there’s enough depth to get through all of those competitions, which I think will ultimately leave them short."
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United have made it a priority to add midfielders this summer as they look to prepare themselves for next season. They built up some impressive momentum last term and have since added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos with the middle of the pitch cited as a problem area.
Deeney has backed Arsenal to retain their title with Manchester City again second best. Liverpool, now under new management, are his pick for third whilst he's backed Xabi Alonso to get Chelsea back into the top four after a dire season last time out.
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