The most optimistic of Manchester United fans will find it hard to believe that the club can win the Premier League title this season. This is mainly due to the excellent form shown by city rivals and Premier League leaders Manchester City and the inconsistent form of their team. Manchester United were at the Premier League summit many weeks ago but they have not been able to maintain that position on the league standings. While Manchester United have managed to implode from a fantastic position at the top of the table, Manchester City have remained consistent thereby opening up a ten-point lead after 25 games in the league. Manchester City have opened a significant advantage at the Premier League summit with the help of a fantastic winning run. The Citizens have won their last 18 games in all competitions, including 13 wins on the bounce in the league. The last of those wins came on Sunday evening when Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the match in what was a 1-0 away win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester City had moved 13 points clear of the Red Devils with the win over the Gunners but Manchester United were able to reduce the gap back to ten points.

With ten points to make up with 13 league games left to play in the English top flight this season, it is hard to make a case for Manchester United winning the competition. If Manchester United still harbour title hopes, there are no margins for errors meaning they will need to win the final 13 league games this season to have any chance of usurping Manchester City to the title. The key fixture could be the Manchester Derby at the start of next month. A win at the home of Manchester City next month will give Manchester United a big lift in the race for the Premier League title.