Manchester United were enjoying a purple patch before football was suspended due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, having gone eleven games without tasting defeat.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are 37 points behind leaders Liverpool on the Premier League table and are 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s men despite sitting fifth.
The Red Devils have not won the league title since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as head coach after the 2012-2013 season, the Citizens have won three league titles in that time as the Reds are gunning close for their first in 30 years on the back of winning the Champions League last season.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Bellamy believes the Manchester-based club are still behind the best two clubs in England at the moment despite recent positivity.
"Coronavirus hit, and it seemed to be quite a good time at Manchester United,” the 40-year-old said.
“Everyone is talking about Manchester United, but they are nowhere near these two clubs. Nowhere near. And it's going to take a good three or four years to get near.”
"The balance [City and Liverpool] have in the team, the way they play, the intensity they play at, the pressing and understanding of what they're doing, takes them well ahead.”
“These two teams are a big gap ahead of anyone else."
Bellamy played for both Liverpool (2006/07 and 2011/12) and Manchester City (2009-2011) during his long career.
