Manchester United legend Roy Keane is not getting ahead of himself this summer and quashed any talk of his former side enjoying a title tilt next term.
The Red Devils endured the worst season of their Premier League history last time out and ended the campaign as low as sixth-placed - scraping Europa League qualification on the final day of the season at the expense of West Ham. New boss Erik ten Hag has been handed the hard task of restoring the club to their former glories.
Things have got off to a bright enough start, with the Dutchman overseeing an impressive win over Liverpool as part of their first pre-season game during their tour of Thailand. United raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 45 minutes inside the Rajamangala Stadium.
Facundo Pellistri added United's fourth to cap off a rampant win against the Reds as the Uruguayan linked up nicely with teenager Amad to really assert dominance over Liverpool with a four-goal cushion just before full-time.
Prior to jetting off to Bangkok, Ten Hag made just one signing in the form of ex-Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia. With that being said, the club are thought to be edging ever closer to a deal for former Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been United's priority target all summer and Ten Hag is desperate for a reunion with the midfielder after their shared time at Ajax together. The Netherlands international is likely to cost at least £65million before add-ons as negotiations with the La Liga giants continue.
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Though this would be a huge statement of intent if the deal gets done, Keane is unconvinced that United can challenge at the highest level anytime soon.
Asked for an assessment on the Red Devils summer so far, the seven-time Premier League winner told Sky Bet: "Where do you want to start? The manager will no doubt be given money to spend, the recruits, four or five experienced players have left the club but I think that was a good thing. But I still don’t see United competing with Liverpool and Man City, not just yet."
United fans have been keeping a keen eye on how their new manager puts the players through their paces in Bangkok. Their stellar showing against the Reds in the first friendly of the summer will spark plenty of hope among the Old Trafford faithful.
