'A long way off' - Pundit delivers searing verdict on Manchester United's Premier League title chances

Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd believes Manchester United are a ‘long, long way’ off being able to challenge for the Premier League title. The Red Devils finished 8th in the table in the last campaign as they prepare for the new 2024/25 season.

They have stuck by Erik ten Hag this summer after they won the FA Cup last term following their win in the final against Manchester City. First up is a home clash against Fulham on Friday as they look to start with a win in front of their own fans.

United haven’t won the league since 2013 and speaking on Sky Sports (as per X), Boyd doesn’t believe they will be able to next term: “For Manchester United it has not been good enough over recent years, yes they have had a few cups in there, but Manchester United were built on winning leagues. I think with Erik ten Hag you kind of get the feeling that if they don’t start well, there will be change.

“Obviously in the summer they couldn’t attract the manager they felt as if could take Manchester United forward, so Erik ten Hag kept his job. For Manchester United, they have obviously got to look at going to win it (the league), but I don’t think they are anywhere near that level.

“You then fall into the bracket of a team with the size and infrastructure that Manchester United has got, just qualifying for Europe. They have got to go and look to win it but they are a long, long way off it.”

As Boyd alluded to, Ten Hag could come under pressure again if United start slowly. They have invested heavily into the playing squad over recent times and the hierarchy will want to see results.

It is hard for the Red Devils to compete for top spot against the firepower of City, Arsenal and Liverpool. However, there is no reason why they can’t try and impose themselves into the upper reaches of the division if they hit form early and develop some momentum.

United have delved into the market to sign Joshua Kirkzee to compete for a place up top along with Rasmus Hojlund. It remains to be seen at this stage whether they will look to bring in another striker before the end of the transfer window.

Leny Yoro has arrived as one for the future in defence from Lille and is being tipped for big things. However, he has recently sustained an injury during pre-season which isn’t ideal.

The Red Devils have also snapped up pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to bolster their defensive department. They have both arrived from Bayern Munich on long-term deals.

De Ligt has said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club. In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.”