The Premier League is back! The 2022/23 season is poised to start on Friday, August when Arsenal face Crystal Palace in the season opener. There is a lot of excitement around as the competition returns after a two-month gap from the last one.

Of course, all the eyes will be around how the Premier League title race ensues this season. There is also a closely-fought top-4 race expected with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester United all having strengthened themselves in the summer.

But the battle between Manchester City and Liverpool will be truly one to behold. The two have been involved in some thrilling title races in recent seasons, being separated by the tiniest of margins. Because of their dominance, one can’t blame any player or pundit for predicting them to dominate the top-2 race this season too.

It seems like that doesn’t apply to one Robert Green. Yes, that English goalkeeper who embarrassed himself by letting in goals through his legs in the 2010 World Cup has come up with a wild prediction. As part of the official BBC pundits top-4 prediction tally, Green surprised many by predicting Manchester United to finish 2^nd – above Liverpool.

This is even after the Red Devils coming off the back of their worst Premier League campaign in which they finished 6^th with 58 points, 34 behind Liverpool last season. Even with a new manager in Erik ten Hag, United are still far from Liverpool’s level and is only likely to fight for a top-4 place.

In fact, only Dion Dublin and Nedum Onuoha have predicted them to finish in the top 4. No other pundit has made such an outlandish guess as Green’s, with the other 22 official ones all predicting a top-2 involving Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s sides.

One thing which the ex-England goalkeeper has managed to do with such a stunning claim has become viral on social media. Not just Liverpool, but fans of many other Premier League sides – including some from United – have ridiculed his prediction.

‘I’d like to have what he is having as well’

Not quite Jermaine Beckford having Leicester top four

‘Clearly, he’s taken drugs’

‘Shows lack of quality in British punditry’

‘United will be lucky to finish 6^th’

‘He made some big decisions on a pre-season game’