Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says he believes the club will struggle to compete with bitter rivals City and Liverpool this season.
The former midfielder insists that United’s transfer business this summer has been below par, and that Mourinho could well leave the club if they don’t mount a serious title challenge.
United managed only three signings this summer, with midfielder Fred the only real first team acquisition. Liverpool on the other hand, signed four hugely talented stars who will all add much needed quality to the side. City already have a strong, title winning side – and added further coverage to the wings in £60m Riyad Mahrez.
The Red Devils finished 19-points behind City last season, and Scholes believes it could be another disappointing season following an underwhelming transfer window.
“When you look at Manchester City, possibly Liverpool, I don’t think they [United] have the quality of those two teams at the minute. Liverpool have made some really good signings. United finished above them last season,” said Scholes, speaking in Hong Kong.
“I just don’t see United getting closer to City. City are a really good side, great manager, some great players, a way of playing that they all know about and Manchester United seem to be not too sure what’s going on.
“You don’t really know the team, you don’t really know the players, you don’t know how they’re going to perform from one week to the next. So I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see them challenging for the league this year.
“Do I think he will leave? I’ve absolutely no idea. He needs to get off to a good start this season, there’s no doubt about that.
“I think a lot will depend on how his team plays, you know. If his team don’t do well, if they’re not playing well, if they’re not entertaining people, they’re not challenging for the league, then he possibly could go.
“But he’s got great experience, he’s been at top clubs, he’s been in difficult positions before, he’s in a difficult position now I think, but he needs to try to find a way to get out of it.”