Teddy Sheringham fears a ‘difficult season’ awaits with three rivals set to improve and challenge them for a top-four spot.
United largely impressed in ’s first season at Old Trafford, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the League Cup.
The Red Devils have as they look to build on the promising campaign, while they are preparing to bring a new striker to the club.
But Sheringham believes his former club face a ‘big challenge’ next season not only to catch up with Manchester City and Arsenal but also to keep the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham at bay.
Man City clinched their third successive league title last season after reeling in long-time leaders Arsenal, who have .
Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs all endured frustrating seasons but are expected to improve under Jurgen Klopp and new managers Mauricio Pochettino and Ange Postecoglou.
‘Manchester United need to start regularly challenging for the biggest trophies,’ three-time Premier League winner Sheringham told .
‘Back in my day, winning the League cup and finishing third wouldn’t have been celebrated – United need to get back on track for the biggest prizes.
‘Manchester United need to up their game. They’ve got a big challenge to not only catch Manchester City, but to get up alongside Arsenal.
‘It is going to be difficult. Liverpool will be better, Chelsea will be better. I would like to think that Tottenham will improve, and Brighton will cause teams problems too. I think it will be a difficult season for Manchester United.’
Sheringham has endorsed Manchester United’s summer moves for Mount and Onana but urged the Red Devils to bring in a top-class striker before the transfer window closes.
‘I like Mason Mount. I think that is a good acquisition for the club,’ the 57-year-old said. ‘Ten Hag knows Onana well, so I presume he’s going to be good.
‘I’ve heard a lot of positive comments from people at the club about his ability and he is very confident with the ball at his feet.
‘If Ten Hag was happy to let David De Gea leave the club, then you have to believe that United are upgrading in the goalkeeper position.’
On United’s search for a new No. 9, Sheringham added: ‘Manchester United have always brought in top, top quality strikers to help them challenge for the title.
‘I really think that Harry Kane would be the ideal solution for Manchester United, but they may have to wait another season to get him. If Kane is the player that United really want, then I would wait for him to become available.
‘But It looks like United may have to look elsewhere for a forward this summer. I’m not sure about Hojlund at Atalanta but I do really like Osimhen at Napoli – he looks like he knows where the goal is. He is a proper number nine that leads the line.’
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