Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand refused to be drawn into discussion regarding Manchester United's title chances after the Red Devils win in the Manchester derby. Erik Ten Hag's side came from behind to win 2-1, albeit in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford was not adjudged to have interfered with play as Bruno Fernandes equalised for the hosts. The win lifts Man United above Newcastle into third place and just a point behind Man City.
Eddie Howe's men could move back above the Red Devils with a win over Fulham, given their impressive goal difference, which would also close the gap to Pep Guardiola's side. City are still regarded as some people's favourites to win the title, but Arsenal could move eight points clear with a win in the North London derby on Sunday.
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The black and white faithful don't consider themselves as part of the title race and they're more than happy to take each week as it comes. However, with some throwing Manchester United's hat into the race to win the Premier League, is it a fair to throw Newcastle into the mix?
Toon fans would argue no, while Scholes and Ferdinand have played down talk of Man United winning the league after firing the Magpies a Champions League warning.
Scholes told BT Sport: "It’s a big win, it’s a little bit early to say they’re in a title race and as the manager said before the game you’re looking at March, April, and if they’re still in that position then great. I still question whether Man United have the squad to really compete at the league title level, but it’s progress."
Ferdinand said: "I’m not going to get carried away, I’m just going to remain calm, I’ve had my little moment of excitement in the studio. You’ve got to take these moments - Casemiro, that man there, Marcus Rashford another one - two huge components in everything that’s good about Manchester United at the moment, and the spirit showed today.
"I spoke about being fragile in recent years, this Man United team. Going 1-0 down against a team like Manchester City in the past they would have absolutely folded - today they gathered their concentration, remained calm, came back into the game, and they’ve come out of it with three points, that’s a massive, massive shift in mentality in this squad now and it only bodes well for the future."
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