Man Utd to Finish Ninth?! Joe Cole Makes Bold Premier League Prediction and Tips Arsenal to Struggle

Joe Cole Predicts Tough Season for Man Utd and Arsenal

As the 2025/26 Premier League season draws near, the usual buzz of predictions has taken over studios, newspapers, and social media. One of the boldest so far? Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole has raised eyebrows by tipping Manchester United to finish as low as ninth in the table. Yes, ninth. If that wasn’t surprising enough, he’s also predicted Arsenal to fall back to fourth despite their strong showing last season.

In a panel discussion on TNT Sports, Cole laid out his thoughts on how the season might unfold — and it’s safe to say not every fan will be pleased.

What Happened: Cole’s Eye-Catching Forecast

Cole, a seasoned pundit and respected analyst post-retirement, sat alongside fellow TNT panelists Alan Shearer and Owen Hargreaves to deliver their annual Premier League predictions. The former Chelsea star didn’t hold back, offering a fairly grim forecast for two of England’s biggest clubs: Manchester United and Arsenal.

For United, who are entering the season under continued scrutiny following last season’s disappointing 15th-place finish under Ruben Amorim, Cole has little faith in a sudden turnaround. Despite expectations that Amorim would inject new life into the Red Devils, Cole says he can’t see them finishing higher than ninth.

“Of course they’ll improve,” he said. “But this league is ruthless. I don’t think United have the squad depth, and there’s still no clear identity. Ninth seems harsh, but I’d rather be honest than optimistic.”

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Pre-Season Friendly

The Bigger Picture: Arsenal Also to Stumble?

Perhaps less shocking, but still intriguing, is Cole’s verdict on Arsenal. After narrowly missing out on the title last season — finishing second to a resurgent Liverpool — many fans were expecting another strong push from Mikel Arteta’s men. But Cole has placed the Gunners in fourth, suggesting a drop in momentum or, possibly, increased pressure from the competition.

“They’ll still be up there,” he explained. “But the edge they had last season might not be there this time around. I don’t think they’ve done enough in the window to push past Liverpool or City again.”

Joe Cole’s Top-Four Prediction

Here’s how Cole sees the top of the table finishing:

1. Liverpool – Back-to-back champions?
2. Manchester City – Always in the race
3. Chelsea – Could the Blues be the surprise package?
4. Arsenal – Falling just short

That leaves Manchester United out of not just the top four, but even the European places — a prediction bound to trigger debate among fans and pundits alike.

What Did the Others Say?

Joe Cole wasn’t the only voice in the room. Fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Owen Hargreaves were also on hand with their forecasts. While neither were overly optimistic about Manchester United either, they did have them finishing slightly higher:

• Alan Shearer: United in 6th, Arsenal 2nd
• Owen Hargreaves: United in 7th, Arsenal 2nd

All three, interestingly, have tipped Liverpool to lift the Premier League trophy again, showcasing just how much faith there is in Jurgen Klopp’s squad to sustain their momentum.

Did You Know?

This isn’t the first time Joe Cole has gone against the grain with his predictions. Last season, he correctly tipped Aston Villa to challenge for European spots — a forecast many doubted at the time. While controversial, his takes often come from a place of deep footballing insight.

And with United’s recent history of turbulent campaigns, managerial changes, and inconsistency in the transfer market, perhaps a ninth-place prediction isn’t completely out of left field.

What’s Next: Opening Clash and the Road Ahead

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The 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway next Friday with Liverpool kicking off the action against Crystal Palace. In an interesting twist of fate, Manchester United and Arsenal face off on the opening weekend. It’s a fixture that could provide an early indicator of whether Cole’s predictions will hold weight — or look completely outlandish.

For United fans, there’s a growing sense of urgency. New signings are yet to fully impress in pre-season, and while Amorim has promised to implement a new playing philosophy, the club is under pressure to show results fast. Dropping out of the top six — let alone finishing ninth — would likely be seen as a massive failure and could trigger yet another managerial rethink.

As for Arsenal, expectations remain high. Arteta has said the team is hungry and determined to go one better this season, but early-season slip-ups could dampen those hopes quickly.

Conclusion: Bold, Brave or Premature?

In the ever-unpredictable world of Premier League football, predictions like Joe Cole’s add flavor and spark debate. Could Manchester United really finish ninth? Could Arsenal drop from title contenders to fourth place? Anything is possible, especially in a league that never seems to follow the script.

Whether you agree with Cole or not, his prediction has done its job: it’s got people talking. And as we gear up for kickoff, that’s exactly the kind of energy the Premier League thrives on.

So — mark your calendars, make your own predictions, and buckle up. It’s going to be another wild ride.