For this coming season, I did not see Manchester United competing with Manchester City. Although Manchester United can make the top four, but the current squad and the coach we have now cannot make us compete favourably with Manchester City.
I like the honesty in your own submission. Whatever will make Manchester United step up to the position of Manchester City in this coming season will take a great grit from the Man U team. Guardiola is still the manager of Manchester City and it doesn't seem like they're willing to perform less than they did were in the last season. Meaning Guardiola will recruit more talented players. Another advantage for Manchester City right now is that they have a manager who's committed to his job and also ready to lead from the front line. He has already understood the club and it's management and knows how to manage them the best.
I think the performance of the two teams will determine how far they will go in the league next season but for the casecof Manchester United competing with Manchester City, it takes good players, good team work and a total brilliance from the tesm to be able to withstand a team like Manchester City who has been outstanding in their performance over the years winning the league back to back and still very good in performance with a great coach and full squad. Pep Guardiola has already started recruiting some players for the next season but even with his current players he would still be stronger contender in the league that's if they don't have injury crisis next season.