Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has effectively written off a title challenge next season by admitting it would be “miraculous” if Manchester United lifted the Premier League trophy.

As United formally announced the appointment of Mike Phelan as assistant manager on a three-year contract, Solskjaer said the onus this summer would be on signing players “who can last here for many years” as he looked to the longer-term.

United currently trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by 29 points, having finished 19 points adrift of their rivals and champions last term, and Solskjaer admitted the club needed to be realistic about their situation.

“I think I’ve been quite honest that challenging for the title next year would be a miraculous season because we’re so far behind at the moment points wise,” he said. “So next season, yes, we’ve got to close that gap. If we manage to get to February, March being close, that’s fantastic but, if not, this summer will also be about players who can last here for many years.”

United have sought a series of quick fixes in the transfer market in recent years. Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nemanja Matic, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Juan Mata are all examples of United’s search for an immediate impact but few have worked and Solskjaer insisted the focus had to be on developing emerging talents. Academy graduates Mason Greenwood, 17, and Tahith Chong, 19, are in line for starts in United’s final league game against Cardiff City at Old Trafford on Sunday.