Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United are closer to competing for major honours than is widely thought.

Wenger’s Arsenal were Manchester United’s main rivals in the late 90s and turn of the millenium.

But in recent years, the Frenchman has seen other clubs unseat both at the summit of English football.

United scraped through against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, after the game went to penalties.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the fourth manager since Sir Alex Feguson at Old Trafford, where the managerial position has become one of the hardest jobs in football.

Wenger believes they need a coach who is brave, with similar players who they can build around.

‘Manchester United is a dream job for any manager. At least, any manager with courage and confidence,’ Wenger said as a pundit on beIN Sports.

‘Yes, they need – in my opinion – four first-team players. But around those players, I see a squad that is capable of challenging.

‘They aren’t as far away as people think.

‘The team have no pattern of play, no pattern of pressing,’ he continued. ‘There is a team there, but it needs to be coached and developed. Like I said, four players and they can be challengers. For everything.’

Wenger even appeared to hint that he had what it takes to take the United job himself.

‘Like I said, Manchester United is a dream job. For any coach. I have confidence, I have courage … and you’re right, I have ideas.’