Barcelona legend Xavi has issued a warning to Manchester United, urging them to reassess their title aspirations following a dire start to the season.

The Old Trafford side currently find themselves six points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, and recently suffered a dramatic 4-0 loss to Chelsea in an unhappy return to Stamford Bridge for coach Jose Mourinho.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Xavi has suggested the Red Devils have no chance of claiming the title this season.

‘The domestic competitions have to be everything for United and Mourinho this season,’ Xavi told the Mirror. ‘I don’t think this season they can win the Premier League. These competitions are their hope for a trophy.

‘Once Mourinho has had another transfer window, maybe they’ll be ready, but for now they must secure a finish in a Champions League spot – that’s where United belong,’ Xavi added.

United face the daunting prospect of taking on rivals City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. City have already beaten United once this season, but whether or not the sides opt to rest their key players for the clash remains to be seen.

‘Both coaches are going to want to win this game,’ Xavi insisted. ‘I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

‘Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him. Even with City dropping some points in the league, I still think under Pep they’ll be champions this season,’ he concluded.

The Manchester Derby will take place at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The action gets underway from 21: 00.