That’s according to Manchester United legend Roy Keane, at least.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford last night in a result which puts City in the driving seat for this year’s title.
Three points for Pep Guardiola’s men put them back atop the league table with three games to go and they will be crowned champions for the second straight season if they win all of their remaining games.
Liverpool, meanwhile, could see their 29-year title drought agonisingly extended despite recording a points total that would have seen them win the league in all but the last two years.
The Reds are on 88 points and will amass 97 if they win their final three games, but that would still be one point shy of City even though they would end the year with just a single loss.
But for United, their Manchester derby display evidenced the huge contrast in quality between the two teams and showcased the scale of the problems facing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looks to restore the club to former fortunes.
The club, 20 times champions of England, have struggled not won a title since Sir Alex Ferguson – Solskjaer’s old manager – retired in 2013 and have not even come close to challenging for a 21st triumph.
And Keane thinks that their defeat to City proved the significant work that needs doing to their defence alone, and warned if they do not drastically reshape their back-line then title successes are a long way away.
He told Sky Sports: “Defensively, back four, I don’t think [Luke] Shaw’s up to it. [Ashley] Young, he’s not a full-back, I know he’s done a job the last few years. Two centre halves and then you take it from there.
“Unless you’ve got a decent keeper and a decent back four, it’s tough going.
“You can get to midfield if you want but in terms of the foundation and going on to win trophies or getting back to competing near the top, how many points are United behind at the moment? 25? There you go.
“It’s mind-boggling. I’ve said it the last few years, I know we talk about midfielders and attackers but first and foremost, your back five including your goalkeeper, sort it out.
“There’s a long way back for this football club. I’d be shocked if they are anywhere near the top next year. That’s got to be the target if you’re involved with Man United.
“Think about when we [Keane and Gary Neville] were playing or when we were looking back at the 80s on about Liverpool and people said, ‘Would Liverpool go 30 years without winning the league?’
“You’d have thought you need locking up. United, the years soon go by. Unless there’s improvements, particularly at the back, they’ll just continue [to struggle].
“If you invite me back next year, we’ll still be having the same conversation. They’re very, very bad at the back. That won’t give you a chance to go forward as a club.”