\u201cWe\u2019re not talking about winning titles,\u201d 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\u2019s absolutely right. He hasn\u2019t been – talking about winning titles, that is.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody will remember the league table on January 12,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s retirement is remotely within reach.<\/p>\n
Well, there\u2019s no need to wait until April and May to determine how things would turn out, the way things are already turning out. Valentine\u2019s Day hasn\u2019t even dawned yet and already the air is quickly being released from the United hot air balloon of inflated expectations.<\/p>\n
The first prick of the balloon came in the form of Sheffield United\u2019s stunning win at Old Trafford. Mind you, serious title contenders simply do not lose that type of game.<\/p>\n
Then came the big deflation of Saturday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
For some, it was reminiscent of the 4-4 against Everton at Old Trafford in April 2012.<\/p>\n
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