Paul Scholes has ruled out the prospect of Manchester United winning the Premier League this season.
In a column for The Independent, the Old Trafford legend admits the arrival of new manager Louis van Gaal has restored the fear factor that was so missing during David Moyes' disastrous reign lastseason.
But Scholes is concerned United have failed to spend enough in the transfer market to be considered genuine title contenders.
"For all the benefit I believe Van Gaal will bring in the long-term," he writes.
"I find it hard to see them as Premier League title contenders this season. My instinct is the title will be between Manchester City and Chelsea with United, Liverpool and Arsenal in competition for the two remaining Champions League places."
"United have not signed enough players in this window, even allowing for Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera. To my mind, they needed a top-level midfielder, of which there were very few available this summer. Just two, in fact. And Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos have already made their moves."
