Roy Keane doesn't believe Manchester United will be able to compete with Liverpool or Manchester City during the next year.
In an interview with The Independent, Keane says that his former club are not good enough in defence yet.
'The league table doesn't lie,' he said, before adding that United 'are a bit short at the back.'
Manchester United are now on a 13 game undefeated streak after Saturday's extra-time FA Cup win over Norwich.
However, a poor start to the Premier League season has left them in sixth place in the league, still five points off Chelsea in fourth.
United have shown more promise going forward in 2020, especially since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, who has given them extra quality in midfield and when finding the final ball.
The arrival of Harry Maguire last year has given United some more solidity at the back, but it is thought the Red Devils need to find him a strong partner in central defence.
Liverpool have already won this year's Premier League by a massive margin from Manchester City in second place, who have also opened up a large gap to third.
Liverpool have won 28 of their 31 games, and are currently 37 points ahead of Manchester United, who have only won 13.
'It will be hard to get past Liverpool or Man City over the next 12 months,' said Keane.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a large number of changes to the team for Saturday's FA Cup match, and they were slow to get going.
Odion Ighalo opened the scoring for the hosts, but a good goal from Todd Cantwell got Norwich back in the game, and the Canaries had a number of chances after that as well.
A red card gave Norwich problems, and United eventually wore them down in extra-time, with Harry Maguire nabbing the winner late on.
Rusikmny
498
I watched united play before half time I will go to bed n watched Liverpool play I cannot go to sleep. I'm in South East Asia where the epl match are after midnight.
Kieran12603
435
depends really if we get consistent and always play our best maybe but tbf it all depends like major players could get injured or u could just get super unlucky but if all teams are playing like they are now Liverpool will walk away with it again cos their team is amazing and quite a lot of the players are still very young
AmitOutstandingGar
406
united has beaten city thrice in one season and drew liv once .it proves they had ability to beat best
Vaaaben
303
Slowly but steadily we are moving in right direction. You have to be keep patience for good results. Both Klopp & Pep needed time & resources to make a world class team. Both took 3 years to modify teams like City & Liverpool which were mediocre teams some 4 to 5 years ago. Ole' s recruitment policy is yielding dividends now & much improved performance in 2 nd half is for everyone to see. 13 games unbeatable is a good achievement. Now that the teams is fit & raring to go toward the business end of season. Still alive in FA cup & Europa & nearly in top 4 in EPL. Our main target is to finish in top 4 & go for silverware in FA & Europa will be a good results. Surely both Woodward & Ole working on new recruitment will enhance our chances next season. If we do qualify for Champions league, than surely lot of talents would like to come to Old Trafford. GGMU.
paocimpyz
45
🗣️Sack Mourinho. - 5th 🗣️Employ Ole. - 5th 🗣️Maguire most expensive Defender - 5th 🗣️Sign Ighalo. - 5th 🗣️Sign Bruno Penandes - 5th 🗣️Unlock Pogba. - 5th 🗣️Partner Pogba & Bruno. - 5th 🗣️We beat Chelsea Thrice - 5th 🗣️We beat Manchester City home & Away - 5th 🗣️Martial scores a hattrick - 5th 5th Brigadier Team. 😂😂