Owen explains why Man Utd will ‘struggle’ to win the title
Michael Owen thinks Man Utd will “struggle” to win the Premier League title despite moving level on points with leaders Liverpool on Friday.
The second-placed Red Devils made it eight wins in 10 unbeaten top-flight matches on New Year’s Day when they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial’s opener was cancelled out by a second-half Bertrand Traore effort at an empty Old Trafford, where Bruno Fernandes’ penalty sealed a hard-fought win against Dean Smith’s impressive Villa side.
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When asked if an in-form Fernandes could help Man Utd to the title this season, Owen told Premier League Productions: “I’m not sure they can win the title with him to be honest.
“I still think they’re… I think they’re a brilliant counter-attacking team, against the bigger and better teams they are exceptional and can give anyone a problem. The question I have is when they’re in possession against teams like Wolves and trying to break them down.”
Owen added: “I watched them the other day and there were no chances. Listen, they’re right in the mix, no question about it.
“They’re second on goal difference, but are they as rounded a team as Liverpool or Man City? I still think they’re a step behind and I still think it will be a struggle for them to win the title. But the way they’re playing, anything is possible.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men join Liverpool on 33 points as a result of a victory that increases outsider talk of a title challenge.
“Of course we’re very happy with the position we’ve found ourselves in,” Solskjaer said after the match.
“It’s such a big difference if you look 12 months back. You lose the chance to be there or thereabouts in the first 10 games, you can lose the chance to be in a title race.
“For us now, it’s a good position to be in but we need to improve, we need to get better. There’s going to be many tight games but if you can win games like tonight that’s going to make a big difference.”