Mikael Silvestre thinks a top-four finish would represent a good season for Manchester United but is unconvinced by their Premier League title credentials.
The former United and Arsenal defender has watched his old side stutter in the early stages of the domestic season, with United currently in 15th place after four matches.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side – who finished third last season – have won two and lost two of their first four fixtures, including a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Their wins over Brighton and Newcastle have been far from convincing but they have also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Ahead of United’s first Champions League encounter of the season – against Paris Saint-Germain – Silvestre admitted he sees the Carabao Cup as their most ‘realistic’ chance of landing silverware in the 20/21 campaign.
And he does not think they will have much of a chance of dethroning reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.
‘They have an opportunity to progress in the Carabao Cup and that is realistically United’s best hope of getting a trophy,’ Silvestre told 888Sport.
‘To have a successful season though they must finish inside the top four and to continue progressing as a group and as a club.
‘It is too early to talk about challenging for a title. The base is to be in there and to maybe finish higher than their third place from last season.’
Getting a result in Paris against last season’s Champions League runners-up on Tuesday night will be tricky but Silvestre thinks Solskjaer should avoid the temptation of moving to a back-five.
‘They are that good. Also United need to dominate in midfield where Paris are very good.
‘It’s important for United to stick with what they do best and historically they perform better with four at the back. We have to take that risk to be the best we can be.’
Read the full 888sport interview with Mikaël Silvestre here.
