Gary Pallister believes Jose Mourinho can guide Manchester United to the Premier League title in his first season at the helm.
Mourinho, 53, has won England's greatest prize on three occasions throughout his career, leading Chelsea to glory in 2004/05, 2005/06 and most recently 2014/15.
And while Pallister admits there is plenty of work to be done to morph a United side which finished fifth under Louis van Gaal this season into title winners, the ex-Red Devils defender says Mourinho's track record means an immediate return to the top is possible.
"He's got an unbelievable track record of winning league titles so you wouldn't put it past him," Pallister told The Sun.
"You are looking at the way United have performed this year and he's got some work to do to make them title challengers.
"But who thought Leicester would have challenged for a title? And they are the Premier League champions.
"Given the resources the club has got, given the good players we have got already, if Jose can give them the shot in the arm of confidence that they need and let them express themselves the way they can do then who is to say Manchester United can't go and win another Premier League next year.
"He's got the experience and he knows what it takes to win the Premier League. I'm sure the odds will shorten on Manchester United being able to do it next year. It wouldn't surprise me if we challenge for the title."
United have been linked with a host of big-name signings since Mourinho was appointed as Van Gaal's successor, including the likes of Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
And while Pallister is an advocate of top players moving to Old Trafford, he hopes any additions made will not compromise the development of Marcus Rashford.
"The Rashford boy has proved to be a phenomenon. The way things have gone for him has been incredible and hopefully his talent will be allowed to express itself at Manchester United," he added.
"If United do bring in a big signing up front then you do hope he can still progress. He looks a very special talent.
"I wouldn't fancy a race with him. The lad has plenty of speed. But it's the maturity he has got at 18 and the awareness of the game which makes him standout.
"He's such a confident and grounded kid. There's nothing you don't really like about the lad coming through. He's riding the crest of a wave at the moment and ticking all the boxes to be a really top player."
- Goal