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Neville: “United still four players short of winning the title”

Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Barclays Premier LeagueManchester United are still “three to four” players short of challenging Chelsea for the Premier League title, according to Gary Neville.

Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday meant United have all but ensured a return to the Champions League next season, but the former United captain insisted work needs to be done in the summer if Louis Van Gaal is to steer the club to the title in the next campaign.

“What they have to do next season is challenge and get closer to the title,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“For Louis van Gaal, this season is par. He has done exactly what he wanted if he completes the job in the next couple of weeks and gets into the Champions League.

“Having finished seventh last season, which was a terrible season, that’s all that was asked of him this season. It looks like he’s going to do it.”

Neville added that United needed to get their business done early in the summer and that the arrival of Memphis Depay boded well for the future.

“They’ve already started buying the players. Depay has come in already so it looks like they’re going to be aggressive and on the front foot in the transfer market again,” he said.

“It needs that really. If you look at Manchester United’s squad at this moment in time it won’t get close to Chelsea, as it currently is.”

The former United right-back added that United were still three or four players short of challenging for the title.

“But with three or four signings – the right ones – then they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season. Arsenal and Manchester City will feel the same,” said Neville.

“To win it in the third season probably would be his aim. To jump from here to win the title next season is probably what Louis van Gaal will be thinking, but it’s a big jump.”