Schmeichel: United Could Finish Fifth or Sixth This Season
29 December 2025
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel predicts his old club will rebound this season and aim for a top-five finish in the Premier League. He believes United can build on how they’ve looked recently, despite last season finishing in the relegation zone around 15th and failing to reach any cup final. An early exit from the League Cup against Grimsby Town made the schedule lighter, which could help in the league.
Schmeichel says a fifth place would be a strong result and would likely secure a Champions League berth, though several teams are in good form and the fight will be tight. He also pointed to two new signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbombo, as important pieces to push the club toward a finish in the top five or six.
Speaking to ViaPlay, he suggested the fifth or sixth place is the closest realistic scenario and that fifth would be nice but the competition is fierce. He added that finishing fifth would be a big step toward European qualification.
He remarked that if finishing fifth earns a Champions League ticket, he would be very happy with the outcome.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool star Jan Molby offered a more cautious take, saying United could end anywhere from fifth to tenth, highlighting the ongoing inconsistency of the team this season.
Under current focus on league duties, United, guided by Ruben Amorim, sits mid-table with a path back toward Europe shaped by performances and fixtures. A recent win over Newcastle United and a late surge has rekindled belief among supporters, while others warn against over-optimism as the season progresses.
Ultimately, the debate hinges on whether a fifth-place finish would be enough for European football, given how English clubs perform in European competition this season and how UEFA rankings evolve.
And for those who like a laugh after a tense debate: if United finish fifth, the odds of miracles rise; if not, I’ll blame the calendar and call it a tactical nap.
Punchline: If United finish fifth, maybe I’ll finally start believing in miracles.
Punchline: If not, I’ll blame the calendar and call it a tactical nap.
