Mikel Arteta rates Man Utd chances of challenging for Premier League title

Mikel Arteta has backed Manchester United to launch an unlikely Premier League title bid this season under Ruben Amorim if they can piece together a sparkling run of form.

13 games into the season, Liverpool hold a commanding lead at the summit, nine points clear of second place Arsenal with defending champions Manchester City adrift in fifth place after a woeful run of form.

The Gunners host United at the Emirates on Wednesday night with Amorim’s side showing signs of improvement after a dreadful start to the campaign, securing a thumping 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday.

It leaves United just four points off the top four with Arteta insisting ‘anything is still possible’ this season.

Asked if a title charge at Old Trafford is possible this season, Arteta told a press conference: ‘I don’t know. We are still very early in the season.

‘Any team that has the capacity to put together five or six wins in a row is going to be there because it is so tough, you see it every week. How the teams are struggling to maintain winning, winning and winning. So anything is possible.’

Closing a 15-point gap on Liverpool would be a huge ask for United with City also falling away at this stage, 11 points behind Arne Slot’s side after their defeat at Anfield on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side have not won in their last seven games, losing four on the bounce in the Premier League, but Arteta insists City are very capable of clawing their way back.

‘This is a team that has the capacity to turn things around and win, win, win. So don’t rule them out, we know how much quality they have.’

Chelsea are also firmly in the title race with their 3-0 win over Aston Villa leaving them in third place, level on points with Arsenal.

With Arsenal and United in action at the Emirates, Chelsea head to Southampton on Wednesday with Liverpool travelling to Newcastle United.

Man City are also in action on Wednesday night, hosting Nottingham Forest.