Title Chances : Manchester United

A typically poor start to the season has seen Manchester United drop 8 points of Chelsea's pace with just one game in hand. Surely then, the title race is over for them, isn't it. It isn't. Sir Alex's men were off the early pace at this stage last season and walked away with the two biggest prizes available - Chelsea the shortcommers in both cases. Even the news of Owen Hargreaves' season long lay-off is made slightly less painful by the emergence of Darren Fletcher and Anderson. Rafael looks to be a revelation at right back - he and his twin brother Fabio injecting a jovial sense of unity and belief into the club with their fearless attitude to the game.
There is more good news for Manchester United. They have played away games at Anfield, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates already this stadium - arguably the 3 toughest fixtures of the season. And, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo still is not at his imperious best, wing wizard Nani and Wayne Rooney have set games alight with their form. This in conjunction with Berbatov's settling at the club has seen the United line-up neatly slip into place as if the players were merely puzzle pieces in a game orchestrated by puppet master Sir Alex Ferguson.
Perhaps United's biggest concern is their occasional frustration in front of goal. A barrage of chances created by Berbatov and missed by Ronaldo perfectly shows this - nearly getting United burnt at home to Hull. Carlos Tevez has had doubts cast over his future by both pundits and fans - rumours of him making a switch to Manchester's other club filling the gossip columns of many a tabloid. Fans can only hope the the Argentine's penalty against QPR on Tuesday night will give him the confidence to win his place back in the side and score the goals his game has been lacking.

Manchester United are serious title contenders and will feel their toughest games are behind them this season. As the hectic December month approaches, it will fall to the manager to keep his team motivated and inspired to chase down whoever may be in the number one spot.