Gary Neville compares Erik ten Hag job at Manchester United to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville does not believe expectations for Erik ten Hag next season will be set too high, insisting patience must be required for the club to challenge at the top of the Premier League once again.

Ten Hag, who watched United's final day defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday from the stands, officially took charge at Old Trafford on Monday. He met club staff at both Old Trafford and Carrington, as well as hosting his first official press conference.

The Dutchman, who had never visited Old Trafford before Monday, will now be busy putting plans in place ahead of pre-season starting on June 27 and the new campaign getting under way in August. A summer of transition lies ahead for United with many incomings and outgoings expected in the summer transfer window.

READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag did on his first day as Manchester United manager

But although plenty of optimism and excitement has greeted Ten Hag's arrival at the club, a strict level of patience will be required. That's something Neville agrees with, as he believes it will be tough for Ten Hag — as well as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta — to disrupt the leading quartet of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

"He has got a big job," said Neville, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast. "Expectation next season, with the four managers and four clubs that are in front of him at the moment, won't be too high.

"Yes, United will want to break into the top four but there will be time and there will be patience. [Thomas] Tuchel, [Antonio] Conte, [Jurgen] Klopp and [Pep] Guardiola – they are animals of managers these four.

"They win trophies all the time. They are stood on that touchline and can eat you up and