Manchester United 'cannot allow' to wait as long as Liverpool to win the Premier League title, says Darren Fletcher.

The former Red Devils midfielder won five league medals and the Champions League during his illustrious playing career at Old Trafford.

But seven years have now passed since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson without the club adding to their haul.

Darren Fletcher says Manchester United cannot wait as long as Liverpool to win their next title

The midfielder won five league title and a Champions League during his time at Old Trafford

To make matters worse, arch-rivals Liverpool are now on the brink of winning their first title in 30 years.

Fletcher told beIN SPORTS about Liverpool's 30-year barren spell: 'Manchester United cannot allow that. The current run is bad enough as it is.

'We need to see Manchester United winning the league in the next two or three years down the line.

'That's being realistic. The bar has been raised in terms of what it takes to win the league.'

Although signs have been improving in recent weeks, especially following United's impressive win over Manchester City on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are still a long way behind their rivals.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to turn around United's fortunes after a barren league run

But Fletcher believes United can make up the difference, currently 37 points, within the next three years.

His optimism is based on the fact that although Liverpool and Manchester City are miles ahead of the competition, their respective managers might not be at their clubs in a few years.

The 36-year-old said: 'United have to be ready for Man City and Liverpool to drop off, which will probably come in a couple of years.

'I can't see Pep Guardiola still being at Manchester City in two or three years. Jurgen Klopp, too. Maybe it's wishful thinking.

'Man United have to put themselves in a position to capitalise if that happens. Next season I expect a better campaign and in two or three years, I am expecting title challenges and potentially winning.'