Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t believe that Manchester City or Liverpool will match their points totals from last season again.

Even though the Citizens actually finished two points below their 2017/18 total, when they pipped Jurgen Klopp’s side to the title last campaign, Solskjaer believes both teams will be closer to the pack this time around:

“The Premier League is a very competitive league. What those two teams did last season was exceptional to get 97 and 98 points. I don’t think that will happen again. I think we will see a closer race this season.”

It is a bold statement from Solskjaer, considering Pep Guardiola’s record in the past two seasons. They have not shown any signs of slowing down under the Spaniard, and they will go into the campaign as heavy favourites to be crowned champions.

You could argue that Liverpool’s 97 point total was a one-off, but City’s consistency suggests they intend to dominate the league once again.

Whether it is wishful thinking from Solskjaer or his prediction will prove to be correct, we will not have to wait long to find out. The Premier League season kicks off in just three weeks time.