Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind has claimed that he and his teammates are close to challenging for the Premier League title, despite this season's table suggesting otherwise.

The Red Devils earned a Champions League playoff place by finishing fourth in the league, but they were a hefty 17 points behind winners Chelsea.

Despite the points total, Blind is confident that Louis van Gaal's side will be contenders for the English crown next season.

"I think we're not far off," Blind said in United's official season review DVD. "If you look at the end of this season we've done well and we've picked up a lot of points, even though the last few games were difficult, but I think we have a good chance next year.

"If you look at the games we've played against the top teams, we've won a lot of points and a club like Manchester United will always aim to win the title. Next year, we're going to do that."

United have already signed Dutchman Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven this summer.