With United now on a winning streak of six matches and clear third in the table, eight points behind the leaders Chelsea, it’s being said quietly but talk of us actually winning the league this season has begun to surface.
Personally, I think both Chelsea and City look more “complete” sides at the moment.
Last week’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool was largely down to yet another masterclass from David de Gea who is rapidly establishing himself as the standout Premier League goalkeeper.
Defensively, we still have a tendency to look pretty shambolic at times and De Gea has bailed us out on numerous occasions this season.
Still, I’m happy to see us sitting nearer the top of the table than the mid-table mediocrity we had to endure for much of last season and if we’re still in the hunt for the title as the season draws to a close, it will at least be back to the old days where we still had things to play for in the last few games.
Today’s opponents, Aston Villa, are having a mixed season. They’re clear of the relegation dogfight for now but a few bad results could drag them into the mire.
A bit like Southampton the other week, Aston Villa have picked up their points against the lesser lights in the league and when pitted against the bigger clubs have generally come unstuck.
Tottenham, City and Arsenal have all travelled to Villa Park this season and all left with the three points.
We played Villa in this fixture at pretty much the same stage last season and ran out 3-0 winners.
I doubt we can expect a similar scoreline today – Villa generally haven’t conceded too many goals at home so far this season however I think we should be able to bag a couple although Villa might just get at least one of their own.