Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that the club will be serious contenders to win the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils endured a poor season under David Moyes last term, finishing 22 points adrift of champions Manchester City in seventh place.
However, Phelan believes that the players have got their belief back under new manager Louis van Gaal.
When asked if the Dutchman could lead United to the title in his first season, he told talkSPORT: "I don't see why not. Some people will probably scoff at that, but everybody is improving year on year.
"United did take a backward step a little bit, but it is well within their capabilities to surprise a lot of people and rise to the occasion. They look now as though they have got belief in themselves.
"They have got, in Van Gaal, somebody with terrific experience and great motivation. Add that to the ingredients already at Old Trafford, in the supporters and the expectation. I'm sure they could be right up there."
United begin their Premier League campaign against Swansea City on August 16.
Steven Toplis
