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United will find it tough to qualify for Europe, says Neville

Gary Neville lifts the Champions League trophy with Manchester United in 2008 © Getty Images

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Gary Neville believes Manchester United will find it difficult to qualify for next season's Champions League, despite the fact they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table.

Neville, who won the Champions League with United in 1999 and 2008, said the next three games will be crucial as his former club attempt to return to Europe's elite competition.

United, who finished seventh last season, are away to West Brom on Monday night before facing Chelsea at Old Trafford and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

They currently sit in fourth, occupying the final Champions League qualifying spot, but have only played one of last season's top 10 so far - a 2-1 victory over Everton earlier this month.

"It's going to be an important few weeks but exciting as well," Neville said. "We'll find out in the next few weeks, as the West Brom, Chelsea and City games are all massive ones, and my thought is we'll find out exactly where the team is at this season.

"It's going to be tough for United to get into the Champions League and that would be a big achievement. At this moment in time, we're in the places in fourth spot but we'll find out where we're at in the next few weeks.

"We've not really played anybody really strong yet. I know Everton at home could be classed as being a tough game but, in terms of really tough matches, Chelsea and City will provide a real measure of where this team is at."

Chelsea have set the early pace so far this season and are unbeaten in seven games, securing 19 points from a possible 21.

However, while Neville admitted Chelsea look like the standout side this season, he has backed United to challenge them when they meet in a fortnight's time.

"I've watched a lot of City and Chelsea, and Chelsea are the best team by a long way. Make no mistake about that. But I'd like to think United are always the club that can beat a big team.

"Even in seasons when we weren't great, like in the mid-2000s, I always felt we could upset Arsenal's 'Invincibles' and Chelsea - I think Darren Fletcher scored one year when Mourinho was manager.

"I look at the game in two weeks' time and United will be up for it. Chelsea will have been in Europe that week and, for me, United will cause Chelsea big problems. It'll be their toughest game and Jose Mourinho would know that."

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