Paul Scholes has claimed that a top-four finish in the Premier League is the best that Manchester United can hope to achieve this season.
The Louis van Gaal era gets underway on Saturday as United host Swansea City at Old Trafford keen to banish the memories of their seventh-place finish last season.
However, Scholes, who won 11 league titles with the Red Devils, says that his former club should focus on regaining a Champions League spot before attempting to topple Manchester City or Chelsea.
"I think the title is between City and Chelsea, they've both made decent signings. The next two places are between United, Liverpool and Arsenal," the 39-year-old told reporters.
"United will be looking for a better season than last season, and that shouldn't be too difficult. It was a big blip last year. Disappointing."
Defending champions City travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday, while the Blues clash with newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night.
