Everton forward Wayne Rooney has claimed that Manchester United will struggle to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title next season.
Pep Guardiola's side are expected to be crowned this campaign's winners come May as they currently hold a 13-point advantage at the top.
United, where Rooney spent 13 years of his career before joining Everton last summer, sit second in the standings, but look unlikely to close the gap.
"In terms of catching Manchester City, they certainly won't this season, but, if I am being perfectly honest, it will be difficult to catch them next season," the striker said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
"City are getting to the level Barcelona were at four or five years ago. It is not nice for me to say, but it is almost perfect football at times."
The blue half of Manchester have lost just once in the top flight this season so far.
