Manchester United legend Andy Cole believes that his old club should focus simply on maintaining their top four spot next season, with the Premier League title looking likely out of reach.
Louis van Gaal's men are set to finish this season sitting in fourth spot in the Premier League, thereby sealing a spot in the Champions League and ending a year's absence from the competition.
The Dutch manager feels his side were not too far off title winners Chelsea this season and is targeting a title push next term.
But for Cole, that is overly ambitious and Manchester United must secure their top four spot as a priority.
"The aim should be the same again – to finish in the Champions League", he told Press Association Sport.
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"To win the Premier League next year would be very, very tough", Cole continued.
"Chelsea have been the best team. In the first half of the season they played very well and in the second half they ground results out. How many teams can do what Chelsea do? There are going to be the team to beat next season.
"Arsenal will be there if they buy a couple of players. If you miss out for two years it gets harder and harder. It will be tough for Manchester United to win the Premier League next year."
Manchester United finish their Premier League campaign tomorrow away at struggling Hull City, who are playing for their top flight lives and must beat the Red Devils at the KC Stadium to stand any chance of remaining in the division next season.
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