Manchester United legend Paul Parker has warned that it will be very difficult for Manchester United to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, and the team's opening defeat to Hull City has exposed many problems.

When asked for his prediction on Manchester United's final position in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season, Parker said: "I think Manchester United will finish sixth. Competing for the top four will be very difficult for them."

"I really do think so. You can see it from the team's schedule and their transfer market dealings."

"They can't afford to suffer embarrassing defeats like that anymore. They must take the cup competitions seriously, like the League Cup and FA Cup."

"They can't rotate carelessly, and the players on the pitch can't continue to underperform. The team must fight with everything they have to win trophies."

"Compared to last season, this Manchester United team is even further away from Arsenal's level. This weekend's match showed that they're still far from competing for the league title."

Last season, Manchester United had mixed fortunes, ultimately finishing third in the Premier League, behind champions Arsenal and Manchester City, and securing a Champions League place.

With this respectable performance, most observers expected Carrick's team to beat Hull City, who earned promotion through the playoff. However, Manchester United lost unexpectedly. Parker, 63, commented on this defeat, and Manchester United will now face Ipswich, who impressed in their opening match against Sunderland.

"This was an embarrassing performance, with no quality to speak of. As Manchester United, the aim is always to compete for the league title," he added.

"But how can you talk about competing for the title when you still have players like Maguire and Luke Shaw in your defense? It's impossible."

"The problem is that Manchester United's current squad isn't ready to compete for the league title. Look at midfield—even if they do some recruitment, where are the athletic midfielders in this squad? The answer right now is nowhere."

"This is undoubtedly a bitter reality for Manchester United, without question."

"It also means the next match is even more crucial, and the opponent is another promoted team, one that was in the Premier League just a year ago. Manchester United must perform to prove themselves."

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

"Now they're starting with a win, morale is high, and with Manchester United struggling, they'll visit Old Trafford in good spirits."

"Hull City studied Manchester United throughout preseason, found a way to beat them, and did it."

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

Maguire should not remain in Manchester United's future plans.

Parker also urged Manchester United to sell Maguire immediately, stating that the experienced center-back should not be part of the team's plans to challenge for major trophies.

Maguire and Wan-Bissaka paired at center-back and performed poorly against Hull City under Jakirović.

Maguire failed to make a single tackle or interception throughout the match, and the 13-time Premier League champions struggled to contain their opponents' attacks.

During Hull City's opening goal, Maguire collided with teammate Mazraoui, making an error when he should have been marking opponent Ajayi, and faced heavy criticism after the match.

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

"I find it hard to believe Maguire is still a starter," he said.

"There are young players already in the squad, and if the team wants to progress and bring in players who can help them challenge for titles, perhaps one big signing could turn everything around."

"Maguire has been through many difficult times with the team and has won some trophies, but none of them were major titles."

"Manchester United are chasing major trophies, and while he remains in the squad, the team is still very far from that goal."

"So the club needs to stop planning around him. Keeping him as a starter this season alone shows serious flaws in the team's decision-making. I think it's wrong to have him as a starter this season; Manchester United needs to look forward."

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