Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admitted that he is surprised by Manchester United's position in the Premier League table, with the Reds just four points behind Manchester City as the half-way stage of the season approaches.
Erik ten Hag's side endured a nightmare start to the season - losing to Brighton and Brentford respectively - but have been impressive in recent months and are now inside the top four. The Reds have won their last six matches in all competitions, including the previous four in the Premier League.
United currently sit fourth in the top-flight, but are level on points with third-placed Newcastle United with a game in hand. Ten Hag's men are four points behind City in second and nine adrift of leaders Arsenal.
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Ex-Liverpool man Carragher claimed that he was shocked by the Reds' position in the Premier League table - admitting that it gave him a major fright.
"I looked at the table at the end of the game, maybe I haven’t been looking at it properly, I couldn’t believe where Man United were. It gave me a major fright," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "I’m just thinking if City could have drawn this game, they could have (challenged for second). United would have been two points behind them... thank God, City won tonight."
United face off against Everton in the FA Cup and Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup in their next two matches, before clashing with City and Arsenal in the league.
Despite the Gunners dropping points against Newcastle in midweek, Mikel Arteta's men still find themselves at the top of table. While United have been tipped as surprise title contenders, Ten Hag was keen to play that idea down after the win over Bournemouth.
"That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress," he told reporters. "The belief is growing. That is a good signal, and it is good to have that feeling.
"We have to understand that we have to give every game 100 percent energy, 100 percent focus and 100 percent play as a team, and if you keep that philosophy, it is possible, but you have to go from game to game.
"Don’t get too far ahead it is January not even half a season. The next game is Everton, we have to focus on that, it is coming quick, enjoy 24 hours and then move on."
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