Manchester United legend Paul Parker has issued a warning, believing the Red Devils will struggle to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, as their opening defeat to Hull City has exposed many problems.

When asked about his prediction for Manchester United's final league position in the 2024-25 Premier League season, Parker said: "I think Manchester United will finish sixth. Challenging for the top four will be a huge challenge for them."

"I really believe that, looking at their fixture list and their transfer business, it's quite clear.

They can't afford to suffer such humiliating defeats anymore. They need to take the cup competitions seriously, including the League Cup and FA Cup.

There can't be squad rotation just for the sake of it, and the players on the pitch can't continue to put in such disappointing performances. The team must give their all to win trophies.

Compared to last season, this Manchester United side is now further away from Arsenal's standard, and this weekend's match shows they still have a long way to go before they can compete for the league title."

Last season, Manchester United experienced ups and downs, eventually finishing third in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal and Manchester City, and securing a Champions League place.

With such a strong finish, outsiders expected Carrick's side would easily beat Hull City, a team that had won promotion through the play-offs.

However, Manchester United surprisingly lost. Parker, 63, commenting on this defeat, noted that Manchester United will next face Ipswich, a team that impressed in their opening match against Sunderland.

"That match was embarrassing, there's nothing to salvage from it. For Manchester United, the goal has always been to compete for the league title," he added.

"But with players like Maguire and Luke Shaw still in your defence, how can you talk about competing for the title? That's impossible.

The problem is that Manchester United's current squad isn't ready to compete for the league title. Look at the midfield—even with a few new signings, where are the midfielders with enough quality in the squad? Right now, the answer is none.

There's no doubt about it, this is a harsh reality check for Manchester United, no argument there."

"This also means the next match is more significant, and the opponent is another newly promoted team—a side that was in the Premier League a year ago. Manchester United must perform and prove themselves.

The difference is that Ipswich won their opening match at home; the last time they were in the Premier League, they lost their opening home match to Liverpool.

Now they have a winning start, their morale is high, and with Manchester United struggling, they'll arrive at Old Trafford in good spirits.

Hull City studied Manchester United throughout pre-season, found a way to beat them, and they succeeded.

Ipswich will do the same. Gary O'Neill is a meticulous manager, and if he can lead Ipswich to a victory at Old Trafford, he'll be delighted."

Maguire should not be part of Manchester United's future plans.

Parker also called for Manchester United to move on from Maguire, arguing that the experienced centre-back has no place in the club's plans to challenge for major trophies.

Maguire and Lisandro Martinez formed the centre-back pairing and performed poorly against Hull City under Jokanovic.

Maguire made no crucial tackles or interceptions throughout the match, and the 13-time Premier League champions struggled to contain their opponents' attacking threat.

In Hull City's opening goal, Maguire was caught out alongside teammate Mazraoui, losing his marker against Hull's Ajayi, and faced severe criticism after the match.

Parker believes Manchester United should prioritize developing young players and bringing in talented new signings to help the club compete for major trophies.

"I find it hard to believe that Maguire can still be a starter," he said.

"There are young players in the squad, and if the club wants to move forward and bring in players who can help them challenge for titles, perhaps a significant signing could turn things around.

Maguire has experienced difficult periods with the club and won a few trophies, but none of them were major ones.

Manchester United is pursuing major trophies, and as long as he remains in the squad, they're a long way from achieving that goal.

So the club must stop including him in their plans. Playing him as a starter this season clearly shows a serious flaw in the team's decision-making. I think starting him this season is wrong; Manchester United needs to look forward."

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