Manchester United are ‘nowhere near’ challenging for the Premier League title this season.
That is according to talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara following claims from a Red Devils fan that they could enter the title race.
Ruben Amorim’s side currently sit sixth in the Premier League following three straight victories.
A run of five wins in their last seven has seen United leapfrog champions Liverpool in the table.
Meanwhile, they are now level on points with Manchester City and just a point outside the top four.
Leaders Arsenal remain six points clear of United at the top of the table, though.
O’Hara clashes with United fan
Despite that, Red Devils supporter Ollie believes there is still a chance they can challenge the Gunners as he eluded to an old adage from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Asked if United are title challengers, he told Breakfast: “I seriously think there’s a good chance of it.
“Despite our form I always refer back to what Fergie gave and the advice to everyone. Pep (Guardiola) even came out and said it in a press conference, if you’re in the top four by Christmas, you’re in the race for the title.
“I’m not saying that we’re going to win it this year because we’re very, very far off it, but the last time that Man United were up there properly giving City a run for their money (was) when Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) was in charge. We were second by Christmas and even top.”
O’Hara was left stunned in the studio as he shook his head in response to Ollie’s claim.
The former Tottenham midfielder replied: “Ollie, come on mate. You’ve had a couple of good results.
“Everyone was talking about Ruben Amorim getting the sack a month ago.”
However, the United fan hit back as he pinpointed his side’s lack of distractions away from the league this season.
Having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby in August, Amorim only has to contend with the Premier League and FA Cup for the remainder of the campaign.
Ollie added: “Anyone who says Ruben Amorim should get the sack is nonsense. It took (Jurgen) Klopp five years, it even took Fergie five years to win a title.
“Man United have got Forest away this weekend, not an easy game. Spurs away, easy game. Then we’ve got Everton, West Ham and Palace left to play.
“As I said, I don’t think we’ll finish first, but in terms of being in the top four by Christmas, we’ve still got an international break in that, we’re not playing (in) Europe, we’re out of the EFL Cup. We’ve only got the FA Cup.”
He continued: “Remember it takes time to build a great football team. Arteta’s been sat in second for God knows how many seasons now. It takes time.”
When asked where United finished last season, he concluded: “Well, that’s irrelevant. Last season doesn’t matter, look at Liverpool now. Liverpool are in a bad spell, champions don’t go on a run like that.”
A perplexed O’Hara was left with his head in his hands as Ollie ended his call.
The Red Devils suffered their lowest-ever Premier League finish of 15th last season as they missed out on European qualification.
Meanwhile, Liverpool claimed a 20th league title only to have hit a devastating run of recent form under Arne Slot.
The Reds have lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, including four consecutive league games, and could be 10 points adrift of Arsenal by the time they host Aston Villa on Saturday.
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