Speaking toBT Sportahead of Manchester United's away clash with West Bromwich Albion, which the Red Devils won 2-0,Steven Gerrard has said that he believes United will be capable of challenging for the league title as soon as next season.
Jose Mourinho's side have gone through one or two tough periods already this season but look to be finally finding some rhythm as Mourinho begins to find his strongest XI.
With over £150m spent on a host of big names, much has been expected of United this season who, so far, have failed to live up to that expectation as they linger outside of the top four.
Despite only recently putting an end to a string of draws by securing back-to back wins for the first time since August,Gerrard insisted: "They [Man Utd] are only a few more pieces away from the jigsaw that will make them compete again at the top."
When asked to clarify whether or not he was referring to challenging for the Premier League title, he stated:"Yeah, I think next year, Manchester United will compete for the title."
After admitting that they've 'got a chance' of getting into the top four this season, the former England and Liverpool captain added:"I think this year they've maybe left themselves a little bit [too] much to do, but they're certainly moving forward and playing an awful lot better than they did in previous years."
Manchester United face a run of fixtures against relegation-battling sides in the league as well as both domestic cup competitions before they meet Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15th - a fixture that saw Gerrard sent off within 38 seconds in his final game against the Red Devils.
Whilst United fans probably don't like Gerrard an awful lot, they'll take some comfort in the fact that even a man dubbed 'Mr. Liverpool' believes that Manchester United are on the up.