Man Utd are still a way off Man City and Arsenal, according to Michael Owen (Pictures: Getty)

Michael Owen doubts Manchester United will catch Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal next season and says Erik ten Hag needs more backing from the Old Trafford board.

Ten Hag has enjoyed an impressive first season in the Premier League, leading Manchester United to the League Cup and into the latter stages of the Europa League and FA Cup.

The Red Devils also look set to finish in the top-four as they sit third – six points above fifth-placed Tottenham – with eight games remaining.

While Manchester United fans may be encouraged by the team’s progress under Ten Hag, they will nevertheless be uncomfortable being 11 points behind Man City and 15 behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Owen believes the red half of Manchester will have to stomach this reality for at least one more season and says United are still a way off Manchester City and Arsenal.

‘Manchester United are doing very well at the moment,’ he said. ‘But when I watch them, I still don’t think, “oh my word, Manchester United are back… They’re tearing teams apart and winning easily”.

‘I’m still a fair way from being convinced that that’s going to happen. I think they’ve got the right manager in place. I think there’s a buzz about the club at the moment that they need, that every club needs.

‘But I think the actual playing staff is still some way short of being… put it this way, if the league was restarting today, I wouldn’t have Manchester United as being challengers to Arsenal and Manchester City just yet.

‘I still think they need more in that squad. They’re desperate for a centre-forward. That is an absolute must for next season. I do think that Manchester United are still a few players short.

‘I think their squad is getting better. As I say, Ten Hag is doing a very good job and he looks like he’s going to be the right man. But I do think they’re short on quality compared to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City at the moment.’

While the league title is beyond them, Manchester United could yet win a treble this season ahead of a crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg at Sevilla and a FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.

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‘If they finish in the top four, then I’d say it’s a massively successful season,’ Owen added to AceOdds. ‘Let’s remember where Manchester United have been for the last decade since Sir Alex Ferguson left. 

‘Yes, there’s been one or two trophies, but it’s been a struggle the last few years, and I think winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League would be a giant step forward.

‘I think it would be a huge success and at the moment it’s looking likely that they will finish in the top four. With the trophy already under their belt as well, it’s looking like a decent season.

‘But obviously they’re Manchester United at the end of the day. They won’t settle for this but I’m sure the fans will have settled for it at the start of the season as a stepping stone to bigger things.’

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Erik ten Hag will hope to challenge for the title next season.