Man United told they are at least two years away from title charge

Manchester United have been told they are at least two years away from mounting a genuine title charge.

Having finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last season, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom issued a triple statement of intent; signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and returning five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

They were unable to secure a follow-up pursuit in defensive midfield – and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thought to be frustrated by that ‘failure’ before his eventual sacking.

Dreams of winning a first Premier League crown post-Sir Alex Ferguson were left in tatters by November.

Ralf Rangnick has been sworn in as interim manager – initially until the end of this season – before taking up a pre-arranged role upstairs as United continue their search for a permanent successor to Solskjaer. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are viewed as two leading candidates in that regard.

However, regardless of who steps into the dugout, Harry Redknapp predicts it will require even more patience.

Speaking to The Sun, the former Premier League manager said: “You would struggle to find one of the current lot who would have been a regular in some of the teams under Sir Alex Ferguson.

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“Even the keeper David de Gea – who has been their best player by far – but would you put him in ahead of Edwin van der Sar or Peter Schmeichel before him?

“That’s how big the re-building job is for [Ralf] Rangnick. That’s why you can’t start blaming a manager who’s only been there five minutes. Of course, United could have a good cup run. A few decent draws and you’re flying, but a serious title challenge? That’s at least two years away, probably longer to be honest.”

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