Waching daily Nov 1 2018

 The Red Devils are already nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after 10 games

 City, Liverpool and Chelsea all remain unbeaten, with Arsenal and Tottenham also impressing

 Jose Mourinho's men got off to their joint-worst start this season after a disappointing summer transfer window

 The Special One was desperate to sign a centre-half, however, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward refused to back the Red Devils boss

 Mourinho has cut a frustrated figure this season, with the United boss publicly criticising his players

 And Sky Sports pundit Nicholas says United and Tottenham will fail to secure Champions League football this season

 "City still have the best squad in the league and, for me, they'll just take it ahead of Liverpool, who should run them close," Nicholas told Sky Sports

 "Chelsea are all about Eden Hazard but if he stays fit then they should have enough for third, but fourth place was a real poser for me

 "Arsenal have been a pleasant surprise for me this season. "Liverpool and Spurs have had their best starts to a season but Arsenal are right up there with them under the new manager so, being an Arsenal man, I'll go with them to edge out Spurs for fourth place due to the lack of signings Mauricio Pochettino has made

 "As I've said for a while now, Manchester United are way off the pace. "City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, United

" Reports this week claimed United will only back Mourinho in the January transfer window if the right deal presents itself

 It has been reported Mourinho will have a £100m transfer war chest in the New Year

 However, United will veto Mourinho's transfer targets if they don't suit their criteria

 The Red Devils want younger players to freshen up their squad instead of signing an experienced centre-half in January