The Red Devils got back to winning ways on Sunday with a 2-0 win against Leeds United, which helped Erik ten Hag’s side capitalise on dropped points from rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners take on Manchester City on Wednesday, with United currently five points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.
Despite being in a healthy position, Neville says United aren’t in the title race because they’re battling on all four fronts.
‘I genuinely don’t think they are in the Premier League title race,’ Neville said on Sky Sports.
‘What was interesting was I was watching the second half [against Leeds] and I didn’t think United were going to get the goal and I didn’t think they were going to get the win.
‘At that point I was thinking Erik ten Hag has actually prioritised the Barcelona game this week. He’s put Martinez and Varane on the bench and saved them for Barcelona and played Shaw and Maguire at centre-back.
‘If he thought he could win the Premier League he would obviously prioritise that so I think even he’s thinking the title is beyond them. He got away with it today and it’s worked but I just don’t think they can win the Premier League.
‘They’ve got so many games and I just don’t think they’re at the level of Man City and Arsenal right now.’
But Keane – somewhat surprisingly – is more optimistic about United’s chances.
The Irishman acknowledges United have an outside chance of winning the title but says they must be ready to ‘pounce’ if City and Arsenal slip-up.
‘Obviously, Arsenal and City are ahead of them but what they have to do, if any of the teams above them slip up, they have to be ready to pounce,’ said Keane.
‘They won today and they have to keep the pressure on City.
‘Considering the way they started the season – they had a disastrous start against Brighton and Brentford – to be where they are now, I’d say they are very much in with a chance.
‘But Manchester United – the players, the manager and the fans – have to look at the table and if City slip up as they have done and Arsenal continue their difficult run, they have to be ready to pounce, just in case.’
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