Alan Shearer believes Manchester United have a tough task if they want to catcch up to their Premier League rivals after a difficult transfer window.
Erik ten Hag has made three additions to his squad, but none in attack. Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez have arrived to bolster the defence, while Christian Eriksen will be another option in midfield after arriving on a free transfer.
The lack of attacking reinforcements, coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo's absence for the tour games in Thailand and Australia, means United's preparations have come with Anthony Martial leading the line. With the Frenchman out of action for the season opener, having picked up an injury, the manager has been left in a tough position.
" Manchester United have also got a lot of work to do in the transfer market before they can be classed as contenders again, and they are coming from even further back than Chelsea after finishing sixth last season," Shearer told the BBC. United finished 13 points adrift of fourth place Spurs last season, and 16 below Thomas Tuchel's Blues.
"United have got a new manager with new ideas but the squad needs strengthening and, unless that happens, Erik ten Hag might have to use players like Anthony Martial who, last season, were regarded as not being good enough for them," the former England striker added. "There are other problems too. The Cristiano Ronaldo situation has turned into a bit of a mess and it can't help Ten Hag to have to continually deal with questions about his future.
"It's also a big season for Marcus Rashford at United after what happened to him last year - he has a point to prove and, from an England perspective, I hope he can rediscover his best form. But I just don't see United challenging for the title - their aim is just to try to get somewhere near the Champions League places."
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Ahead of the league opener against Brighton & Hove Albion, Ten Hag confirmed Martial would be missing. Ronaldo could feature, though, after his involvement in the pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
"It is always difficult to say with injuries [how long he will be out for]." Ten Hag told the media in his pre-match press conference (per the Manchester Evening News ). "I hope it is not for too long."
"That would be a good situation [to have transfer business done], but I am happy with the squad. I am happy with the signings up until now. We are working altogether. I am happy with the current squad and we need the right players."
