West Ham backed to finish above Man United by De Jong
Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong believes West Ham have what it takes to finish above Manchester United this season.
As quoted in the Metro, the 37-year-old thinks the Hammers are in a battle with London rivals Arsenal for a top-four place.
The Red Devils could go level on points with West Ham if they can beat Burnley on Thursday evening.
“I don’t see Man United finishing in fourth this season, even if they’re currently favourites behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea to do so, I really don’t. I think it’ll be a battle between Arsenal and West Ham.” De Jong said.
Champions League West Ham
It has a nice ring to it, and even three or four years ago it was an almost impossible task to imagine the club fighting with Europe’s elite.
But with David Moyes transforming the side in his two years in charge into one of England’s top clubs, a Champions League campaign is not an outrageous thing to consider.
It will by no means be an easy road into Europe’s biggest club competition with Arsenal four points clear of the Hammers and in red hot form but another season of European football will still be a success.
It’s been long overdue for the 60,000 seater London Stadium to witness big European nights and the Irons admirable performances in the Europa League this season could see them face Spanish giants Barcelona in the knockout rounds.
Whichever way you look at West Ham’s progression over the past two years, it’s a great time to be an Iron and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of the club slowing down.
It might not be inconceivable that West Ham could be considered as big as some of the countries top clubs if they continue to make strides on and off the pitch.
In other West Ham news, as many as four players could leave the club in January.