David de Gea has admitted it will take a couple of years for Manchester United to contend for the Premier League title.
United equalled their longest trophy drought for 40 years this season and recorded their lowest ever points total in a Premier League season. Erik ten Hag has joined the club on a three-year contract and the United job will the biggest challenge of his career.
Ten Hag was at Selhurst Park alongside football director John Murough as United lost 1-0 against Crystal Palace on Sunday. United failed to trouble Palace throughout the match, but they still qualified for the Europa League, despite that defeat.
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United last won a trophy in 2017 and that triumph came in the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in Stockholm.
After United's defeat against Palace, De Gea was asked about the size of the task ahead for Ten Hag, who will be unveiled on Monday afternoon, and he admitted it could take a few years before United contend for major honours again.
"I'm honest, it's a big job for him," De Gea told MUTV. "But he showed already with Ajax, he plays very good, attacking football, so that's what we need.
"Hopefully with some new players, with the new manager and his staff, some new energy, the ones who are staying can fight together, to improve the team, to put the club as high as possible.
"I feel sad [for the fans]. It's unbelievable, they stay to support the team, big thanks to them. The ones that come to Old Trafford, the ones that come to the away games, I know it's not easy, but they've been amazing, so thank you very much.
"I'm proud [personal performances]. I've played every single minute in the Premier League. I was working hard in the summer, to be honest, to show my level, to help the team and I think I did well, but this is a team sport, so it doesn't matter what I did.
"I think I helped the team in some games, but it wasn't enough to get Champions League. Let's have a rest and be 100 per cent prepared for next season. I believe it's going to be much better, I trust in the new manager and in the new staff."
"We can build something good, maybe not next year, but in a couple of years we can be a contender to win big things."
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