Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United are unlikely to claim this season’s Premier League title. The Dutchman said that his side will challenge for this season’s FA Cup and Champions League, but the Premier League may be a step too far. Van Gaal predicts United will finish second.

Van Gaal’s words show a massive lack of ambition, especially for a club of United’s size who want to perform on every stage and win all that there is to win.

However, Van Gaal’s words of negativity didn’t stop there. Speaking to an audience of executive United season ticket holders at Lancashire County Cricket ground, Van Gaal admitted that the fee paid by Manchester United for French teenager Anthony Martial was ‘ridiculous’. Although, the boss claimed that the purchase was made with the club’s next manager in mind, with the Dutchman hinting that his current assistant Ryan Giggs will be the man to reap the benefits from the arrival of the 19-year-old.

“It was a ridiculous amount of money, but it’s the crazy world we are in.”

“United are routinely quoted £10m more for a player but I have not bought Martial for me. I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United. I feel I am introducing the next manager of Manchester United.”

[Quotes via Sky Sports]

The manager also confirmed that striker James Wilson will join a Championship side on loan, presumably Derby County, in an attempt to get more game time. Andreas Pereira has also been touted to fill the void left temporarily by Adnan Januzaj, who joined Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan in the transfer window. Pereira could be set to start on the bench during Sunday’s showdown against Liverpool.