Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has issued a stark warning to Manchester United – saying he believes they are still ‘years away’ from winning a title.
Lescott claimed that he’s ‘not sure it really matters’ who comes in as the next permanent Man United manager because it is unlikely that whoever they chose will make an impact significant enough to close the gap on the top of the league.
After being knocked out of the FA cup by Championship side Middlesbrough, Man United are currently desperate to hold on to their top four spot in the Premier League under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Manchester United should hire Luis Enrique (above) as their new manager, says Joleon Lescott
The Red Devils currently have Ralf Rangnick (above) as interim boss until the end of June
Speaking to Livescore, Lescott, who won four major trophies with City, said: ‘Though the battle for fourth is their immediate priority, I would imagine talk has already begun about this summer and who their top choice is to take over from Ralf Rangnick.’
Addressing rumours of managers reported to be of interest to Man United CEO Richard Arnold, Lescott said: ‘Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag continue to be strongly linked – but I’m not sure it really matters who comes in next.
‘For me, the gap between Manchester United and the trio of City, Liverpool and Chelsea is now simply too big for a new boss to bridge quickly,’ he added.
Lescott seems sure that the arrival of a new boss won’t be enough to match-up to the giants that currently sit at the top of the table.
Lescott still believes United are still light years away from the level set by his old club Man City
‘I believe United are still years away from challenging for titles, unless at least two of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel leave the Premier League,’ he said.
Weighing in on who he would place in charge of the Red Devils, Lescott admitted: ‘If I was picking United’s next boss, I’d probably go for Luis Enrique.
‘I think he is the best they could do in terms of bringing someone in with a clear vision and beliefs. But even he would struggle to get them into that top three.’
Even after signing five tine Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, Man United have struggled to find consistency throughout the season.
However, they have been unbeaten in their last seven League games with four wins and three draws but currently trail their rivals and title leaders Man City by 22 points.
Joleon Lescott was speaking to LiveScore. To read his full column, click here.
