Can Manchester United still challenge for the PL title?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rebounded from the horror of losing 5-0 to Liverpool by beating Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday but can the Norwegian really still mount a title challenge at Manchester United?

Solskjaer may have survived a crunch game labelled ‘El Sackico’ and rightly so after Nuno Espirito Santo lost his job on Monday morning.

But can the former Old Trafford super sub really get his Red Devils back in the title frame given they now sit fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Chelsea?

No

Most rational observers would count United out of the running for the Premier League crown with the general consensus suggesting it is now a three-horse race between Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues keep marching on after a 3-0 triumph at newly mega rich Newcastle and have shown no signs of slipping up.

Daniel Levy may think otherwise, but one result should not be terminal for a football club. And by that very same token, one good win does not paper over all the cracks.

That is where Solskjaer finds himself with a squad that has been largely picked apart by the media and global fanbase for failing to hit the heights expected.

The outside noise itself might be enough to derail any comeback challenge and surely United cannot banish the memories of what their boss called his “darkest day” and somehow be lifting the Premier League trophy come the end of the season.

And if that doesn’t convince you, maybe the fact that Saturday’s win over Spurs was only United’s second clean sheet in all competitions this season might prove things aren’t all rosy at the back.

Yes

It came from the most unlikely of sources but there was one man emphasising United’s title credentials after the hammering by Liverpool.

Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger put his head above the parapet to remind people there is a mountain of football left before this season is done and dusted.

Admittedly Wenger’s reputation has taken a hit with his persistence on pushing for a World Cup every two years but the crux of his point has plenty of value.

He told beIN Sports: “You have to try to create hope.

“Manchester City won the title last year, they were 11 points behind at one stage and they were 10th in the league in December.

“So if they rectify it, they are still not out of it completely. Also, in the Champions League, they can still qualify. So their season is not dead but if they continue like that, it will be quickly.”

Similarly to United, City were eight points adrift in November last year so it is definitely possible.

It is worth mentioning that Pep Guardiola’s men went on a 28-game unbeaten run subsequently, some feat to try and replicate.

Conclusion

It’s certainly feasible that Manchester United can come roaring back into the title race and with the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo on board, never say never.

But you wouldn’t bet on it.

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES