Premier League English

Solskjaer was always cautious about title talk and was right to be

“We’re not talking about winning titles,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted after Manchester United botched up the lead twice to draw 3-3 with Everton. And to be fair to the man, he’s absolutely right. He hasn’t been – talking about winning titles, that is.

Solskjaer has consistently refrained from talking up a potential challenge from Old Trafford, always careful to caution restraint. And even when they moved two points clear top after winning away at Burnley last month, he was still down-playing the subject.

“Nobody will remember the league table on January 12,” he promised.

His only mantra was always to wait until April and May to see how things held up and only then to see whether a first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement is remotely within reach.

Well, there’s no need to wait until April and May to determine how things would turn out, the way things are already turning out. Valentine’s Day hasn’t even dawned yet and already the air is quickly being released from the United hot air balloon of inflated expectations.

The first prick of the balloon came in the form of Sheffield United’s stunning win at Old Trafford. Mind you, serious title contenders simply do not lose that type of game.

Then came the big deflation of Saturday’s draw with Everton, where United blew not one but two leads while leading 2-0 at half time. Title contenders simply have to win this type of game to surge ahead.

For some, it was reminiscent of the 4-4 against Everton at Old Trafford in April 2012.