Manchester United face bitter rivals Liverpool in their next Premier League match.
United finished above Liverpool last season, coming second, and there are genuine expectations of a title challenge this time around.
Those hopes are precarious as it stands after a poor run of form, and some patchy performances.
United legend Gary Neville says he still expects United to come second – third at worst – and ahead of Liverpool come May.
“We’ll be alright, I still think we’ll finish second this season,” said Neville on Instagram.
“There’s a long way to go, it’s early doors. There’s always a lot of emotion at United but I think we’ll finish second.
“Second or third. I think they’ll finish above Liverpool to be fair. Chelsea are genuine contenders.”
United were looking to build on last season’s second place finish and push for first before the season started.
As it stands, United sit sixth, four points and four places behind Liverpool ahead of the weekend clash.
It is not an exaggeration to say that unless performances improve, a battle for the top four could be on the cards.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come out of tough periods before, usually with a big result or two against a big side.
He needs that again to ease the pressure which is mounting all the time with every disappointing result and performance.
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