Liverpool open the door but Man United timeline doubted as Erik ten Hag ability questioned

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes it may take Sir Jim Ratcliffe more than three years to make his former club Premier League title contenders.

Ratcliffe, who became co-owner of United this week, stated his aim to bring the team back to the top of English football within 'two or three seasons'. However, Cole, who was part of the Old Trafford side that won the treble back in 1999, believes it could take a lot longer.

Speaking to PA News Agency, he said: "It's going to take time. It could possibly take longer than three years, we have to be very honest.

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"We're what, 11 years in now (since United were last crowned Premier League champions). If we look at ourselves now, we're still in the same position, and if he's going to turn it around in three years, he's going to have to go some. But change is good."

Cole, who was attending an event held by United's official hydration partner, WOW HYDRATE, pointed out that other successful teams like Liverpool or Manchester City took 'six or seven years to lay their foundations'.

He said: "They've had managers in place for the long term and have bought well in the transfer market. That's what we have to do.

"As long as Pep Guardiola stays at City, it's going to be very difficult for anyone to beat them to the Premier League title. I think it could change at Liverpool due to the fact that Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season.

"They could find themselves in the same position as Manchester United are in, starting all over again, new manager, fresh ideas."

United won their first big trophy since 2017 last season with