Alan Shearer: Manchester United defeat "blessing in disguise"

Manchester United's opening-day defeat at home to Swansea City has shown that the Red Devils need at least three world class players just to qualify for the Champions League, according to Alan Shearer.

Louis van Gaal's first match in charge at Old Trafford ended on a sour note as Gylfi Sigurdsson scored late on to give the South Wales club all three points.

However, despite the nature of United's display, former England international striker Shearer suggested that the outcome may have a positive effect on their fortunes this season.

He told BBC Sport: "As poor a performance as it was, and a poor result, it could be a blessing in disguise because it could say to the money men at Manchester United they need at least three world class players.

"They need big money to be spent on top, top players to get into the top four let alone to challenge for the championship."

United face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.