Gary Neville reckons Manchester United are just three players away from a title challenge

All Louis van Gaal needs is three more players to mount a title challenge, according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville.

The former Red Devils full back and current Sky Sports pundit believes that his former side could battle it out with the likes of Chelsea next season if they recruit astutely when the transfer window opens. “If you asked me three months ago, I would have said [United] were a long way behind,” said Neville, with quotes from the Daily Mirror. “Now, it’s not as far. “Two or three months ago, they would have been thinking Chelsea are a long way in front of us. Now the recruitment battle that will happen in the summer becomes critical. If they get that right, United will feel confident they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season. “I don’t think this summer is a case of United rebuilding or total restructure of the squad. They need to continue to improve in two or three positions: a central defender, a midfielder and a winger. “It is a case of trading well, rather than wholesale buying. I don’t expect another £150million spend. I don’t think it is required.” Chelsea are currently eight points clear of third-placed Manchester United with a game in hand so it is very unlikely that the Old Trafford outfit can make a late run for the Premier League this season but that could all change in the next campaign according to Neville. And he is very intrigued with how Saturday evening's game between Chelsea and United plays out. “It should be interesting, manager versus manager. How Mourinho will stop what Manchester United have done in the last few weeks to other teams? “He doesn’t mind defending to win - whereas other coaches would go punch for punch, he’s happy to respect and pay attention. “Van Gaal will say, ‘This is what we do, we will stay with our game and we will win our way’. Mourinho is more pragmatic, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.” So let the speculation about who Gary would want coming in the door begin, this is our pick of potential trios.