Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Manchester United 'three players away' from a title challenge says Gary Neville

Manchester United great Gary Neville believes his former club may be just "three players away" from mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Neville was critical of United boss Louis van Gaal in his first few months at Old Trafford, but the former full-back who won eight Premier League titles in his illustrious career at the club has suggested huge progress is now being made under the experience Dutch tactician.

United's performances have surged in recent weeks as they have recorded vital wins against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City, with Neville stating his belief that a return to the club's trophy winning days may not be far away.

"If you asked me three months ago, I would have said [United] were a long way behind," Neville said in quotes appearing in the Daily Mirror.

"Two or three months ago, they would have been thinking Chelsea are a long way in front of us. Now the recruitment battle that will happen in the summer becomes critical. If they get that right, United will feel confident they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season.

"I don't think this summer is a case of United rebuilding or total restructure of the squad. They need to continue to improve in two or three positions: a central defender, a midfielder and a winger.

"It is a case of trading well, rather than wholesale buying. I don't expect another £150 million spend I don't think it is required."

Neville went on to suggest next Saturday's Premier League game between leaders Chelsea and United at Stamford Bridge will be another test for Van Gaal's team, as he goes up against his former assistant Jose Mourinho once more.

"It should be interesting, manager versus manager. How Mourinho will stop what Manchester United have done in the last few weeks to other teams," Neville continued.

"He doesn't mind defending to win, whereas other coaches would go punch for punch, he's happy to respect and pay attention. Van Gaal will say, 'This is what we do, we will stay with our game and we will win our way.' Mourinho is more pragmatic, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top."

Meanwhile, Neville offered words of comfort to Liverpool supporters who may be feeling a little deflated at the prospect of their side failing to secure a top four finish in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool will take on Aston Villa in an FA Cup semifinal on Sunday and Neville believes a victory in next month's final at Wembley would allow Rodgers and his players to hail this as a triumphant season.

"Trophies bring huge confidence, especially for young players who have never won anything before," he added. "Some Liverpool players who stand up on that podium and lift that trophy will feel enormously confident.

"I remember the impact of the 2006 League Cup win [at Manchester United], against Wigan. It was the first trophy at United for Ronaldo and for Rooney -- our first trophy for three years. It made us believe. That's what it can do for Liverpool. It can give people huge belief.

"Sir Alex Ferguson used to say one trophy a year -- FA Cup, Premier League or Champions League. For Brendan Rodgers, this would be the first one and would build on last year's second place. It would keep the momentum going and probably be seen as progress."

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