Giggs omits big-name duo as he identifies five title contenders

Ryan Giggs: Looks concerned

Ryan Giggs believes there are five major contenders for the Premier League title this season – with Manchester City the team to beat.

Giggs, however, does not think either Liverpool or Arsenal will challenge for the crown – and thinks Manchester United still need more bodies before becoming genuine contenders.

“Manchester United needed some new blood and the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic removed the question as to whether he was replaced,” he told Sky Sports. “Romelu Lukaku will score goals, there’s no doubt about that.

“He’s still got to work on his first touch but he has already been scoring plenty at West Brom and Everton and will get more chances at Old Trafford.

“What he won’t have experienced is the pressure of being a Manchester United forward. He wouldn’t have felt that before and you can’t get away with the odd mediocre performance.

“There were too many home games last season where we didn’t take our chances but it’s not just down to Lukaku, the rest of the team need to be contributing as well.

“I think Manchester City are the team to beat though. I looked at them towards the end of last season and the forward players they’ve got is scary, with Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling.

“What they needed to get right was their defence and it will be interesting to see how Ederson settles in, because you don’t win the Premier League with an average goalkeeper.

“They’ve obviously invested heavily on full-backs but the question is still whether Vincent Kompany can stay fit because his influence and experience are key for them.

“You can’t ignore Chelsea because of their quality, but have they got the squad to balance defending the Premier League and European football? I’m not sure.

“Tottenham have a really exciting squad and a great manager in Mauricio Pochettino, but everybody is asking whether they can continue to match sides without signings.

“I think they need a couple, not to improve their starting line-up but to make the squad better, while they’ve also got the Wembley factor, so they really need to get off to a good start.

“Everton are an interesting one and Ronald Koeman has made plenty of signings, including obviously bringing back Wayne Rooney. He’s a proven goalscorer and scores more often than not when he gets chances.”