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The former Red Devils forward admits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is “in the mix” but cannot see the crown returning to Old Trafford in 2021.
Manchester United will struggle to win the Premier League this season even with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings, says Michael Owen, and the Red Devils say they are not yet as “rounded” as Liverpool and Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team has overcome a slow start to the 2020-21 campaign and made their way to the title image.
Owen admits that Old Trafford’s men are “in the mix”, with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa that allowed them to equal defending champion Liverpool at the top of the table.
However, there is still a long way to go before the main cutlery is delivered.
United has found consistency difficult to maintain in recent years and will have to buck that trend to stay among the pioneers.
They have enough talent at their disposal to chase a first crown in eight years, with Portuguese playmaker Fernandes now a talismanic presence in the middle of the field.
Owen, however, is not convinced that the Red Devils have the experience and in-depth strength that have enabled their archrivals Manchester and Merseyside to reach the top of the national and European games.
The former United striker said Premier League Productions When asked if a fit Fernandes makes Solskjaer’s team serious contenders: “I’m not sure they can win the title with him to be honest.
“I still think they are… I think they are a brilliant counterattack team, against the best and biggest teams they are exceptional and can cause a problem for anyone.
“The question I have is when are they in possession against teams like the Wolves and trying to take them down.”
Owen added: “I saw them the other day [in a dogged 1-0 win over Wolves] and there were no chances. Listen, they’re in the mix, there’s no question about that.
“They are second on goal difference, but are they as complete a team as Liverpool or Man City? I still think they are a step behind and I still think it will be a fight for them to win the title.
“But the way they are playing, anything is possible.”
United’s focus is about to shift to national cup matters, with their next two outings scheduled to face neighboring City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Watford in the FA Cup third round.
