Former Liverpool player Stan Collymore has predicted that Manchester United won't launch a title challenge this season.
The Red Devils secured a return to Champions League football with a top-four finish last year, and have spent over £70m on new recruits so far this summer.
However, Collymore believes that it may take the new players a while to bed in, and insists that United aren't on the same level as their rivals.
He told The Mirror: "I would love to list Manchester United as realistic title challengers. But Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal all have settled first XIs to take into the crucial first 10 matches of the season.
"Can Louis van Gaal say that? Forward Memphis Depay excites me, and Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger add much-needed variety to a non-existent midfield, but can United trade punch for punch with their three other rivals? I don't think so."
United start the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Charlie Bennett
