Manchester United are flying under Erik ten Hag (Picture: MUTV)
Erik ten Hag played down Manchester United’s Premier League title chances after an impressive derby victory over defending champions Manchester City.
United came from behind to clinch a 2-1 win at Old Trafford and move to within one point of second-placed Man City, who are a further five behind Arsenal.
Manchester City were on course to cut Arsenal’s lead to two ahead of Sunday’s north London derby after Jack Grealish broke the deadlock with a second-half goal.
But United equalised through a contention Bruno Fernandes goal and Marcus Rashford found a winner on 82 minutes to send Old Trafford wild.
Manchester United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 but the club’s form under Ten Hag has convinced some that the Red Devils could challenge Arsenal and Man City this season.
Asked if he now considers United as title contenders, Ten Hag said: ‘The fans may dream but we are not.
‘We have to keep our feet on the ground because our game still had a lot to improve. For instance, we can’t lose so much control in the game after half-time.
The Red Devils’ form has United fans believing again (Picture: Getty)
‘These small details have a big impact at the top level so we need to keep working.’
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw added: ‘It’s still quite early for that but we’re obviously still in four competitions.
‘We have to aim as high as possible, this is Man United. We need to try and win every competitive we’re in and if we have that belief and confidence, then why not believe we can do it.
‘Look, it’s early doors but we need to keep going in the right direction and we’ll see where we are at the end of the season.’
United, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, have now won 21 of their 28 games under former Ajax boss Ten Hag.
Rashford is enjoying a brilliant season, scoring eight goals in his last seven games, and says ‘anything is possible’ at Old Trafford.
‘Scoring a goal and winning the game, that’s always the aim,’ the England forward said. ‘This game is a little special.
‘It’s a change of dynamics. I’ve said many times but options off the bench even when we’ve had injures, players out of position, everyone is putting a shift in.
‘Anything is possible. We’re very pleased to come back and win.’
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The Red Devils are flying up the table.
