Paul Scholes believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a few more transfer windows to develop Manchester United's squad into a position where they will be able to challenge for trophies again.
United's winless run extended to three games on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Southampton at St. Mary's.
Next up for United is a home meeting with Leicester in two weeks' time and Scholes believes United are in for a long season.
"On that showing today you have to feel there is a good three or four transfer windows before they get to where they want to be," Scholes told Premier League Productions.
"United are United. I think you almost have to write United off for the next two years, this team. I think until Ole Gunnar has cleared everything he wants out, there's four or five transfer windows, United are going to be behind Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham."
Owen Hargreaves added that he fears for United given they have already dropped points against Wolves, Crystal Palace and Southampton.
"I worry for Ole Gunnar and the players," Hargreaves said. "The teams they’ve played haven’t been difficult and they’re dropping points. It’s going to be difficult for them this season."
