Former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick says the Red Devils need to find something to raise their game to keep up with the standards Man City showed in the derby last week.
City won last week’s Carabao Cup semi-final 2-0 and Chadwick feels the nature of their performance shows what a big job Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has on his hands.
At least he includes United in a three-horse race for the Premier League title!
Premier League champions Liverpool haven’t been as good as they were last season and that has really opened up the title race. It wasn’t long ago when Tottenham and Chelsea were considered title contenders, but look how quick that changed with a few bad results?
Chadwick wants United to raise their game a bit after the beating they suffered against City at Old Trafford last week.
“United gave an okay account of themselves in the first half against a City team finding their best form of the season so far,” Chadwick exclusively told CaughtOffside. “In the second half, the confidence and the class told as they dominated the game. United had a few chances to get on the score sheet but City were 100% deserved winners.
“I think the big concern will be, if they continue this form, that they’ll be the team to beat in the latter stages of this season. United need to find something to raise their game, to keep up with the standards City showed the other night and the past few weeks as they’ve come into their own.
“Obviously it’s another semi-final defeat for United which will be a little bit concerning after last season, but the prize is still there in terms of the Premier League. Liverpool have had a little bit of a blip though they’re still a fantastic team … City are coming into their own, but hopefully United will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
“Spurs have had a good season and Chelsea have a talented squad but in my opinion the three will be United, Liverpool and City. Even though they’re not up there at the moment I’d probably have City as favourites, they seem to have sorted out their defensive problems.
“Liverpool have been a little inconsistent, as have United, it really couldn’t be any bigger, the game coming up at Anfield, whoever comes out on top is going to hold the advantage.
“It’s an exciting title race and I think they’re going to be the top three teams, hopefully United come out on top but it’s going to be a big ask against two really talented squads.”
If United get two wins this week – away to Burnley and Liverpool – we’ll be without question considered title challengers because that would see us beat last season’s champions.
Read more: Burnley manager Sean Dyche: Nobody doubted United
