Joleon Lescott has launched a stinging attack on Manchester United and warned them they are "years away" from winning major trophies again.
And Lescott believes it doesn't matter who United decide to make their next permanent boss - because it won't make them successful again.
United have found themselves stumbling through to the end of the season with interim boss Ralf Rangnick in charge.
United dropped out of the title race months ago, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Middlesbrough and face a desperate battle to secure a top four finish.
United are still in the Champions League but not expected to win it - while Ragnick will step down in the summer to take a role with the club's technical staff.
Have Your Say! Who should be Man Utd's next manager? Tell us your No.1 pick here.
Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag and Luis Enrique are all on the radar of new CEO Richard Arnold.
But former Manchester City star Lescott believes United's only hope of being successful again is if rivals like Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Kopp and Thomas Tuchel decide to leave English football.
Lescott, who won four major trophies with City, including two Premier League titles, told LiveScore : "Though the battle for fourth is their immediate priority, I would imagine talk has already begun about this summer and who their top choice is to take over from Ralf Rangnick.
“Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag continue to be strongly linked - but I’m not sure it really matters who comes in next.
“For me, the gap between Manchester United and the trio of City, Liverpool and Chelsea is now simply too big for a new boss to bridge quickly.
“I believe United are still years away from challenging for titles, unless at least two of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel leave the Premier League.
"If I was picking United’s next boss, I’d probably go for Luis Enrique.
"I think he is the best they could do in terms of bringing someone in with a clear vision and beliefs. But even he would struggle to get them into that top three."
- Joleon Lescott was speaking to LiveScore. To read his column in full, click here.
