Man Utd set to face tough test to determine Premier League title credentials

Manchester United may be two points off top spot in the Premier League - but they are about to face the true test of their title credentials.

After the international break, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side face Leicester, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City, a run that will determine if United are genuine title contenders.

Defeat to Aston Villa and a draw against Everton in their last two league games at Old Trafford would suggest Solskjaer's squad is some way short of the consistency required to land the title.

The euphoria that greeted Cristiano Ronaldo 's emotional return has been replaced by a familiar sense of weary acceptance from United fans with regard to their team's ongoing shortcomings.

Solskjaer started Ronaldo on the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Everton ( Image:

Peter Powell/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Despite recruiting Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in the summer, United remain a side without a clear identity and with a vulnerability at the back that continues to thwart their progress.

One clean sheet in their last 18 games in all competitions suggests Solskjaer's side does not have the defensive solidity and discipline to sustain a title challenge all the way to the end of the season.

United's last Premier League triumph came in 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, and that wait will surely be prolonged this season, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all better equipped than Solskjaer's side, in what is already looking like a three-way title fight.

Solskjaer is under increased scrutiny after a mixed start to the season ( Image:

Peter Powell/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Can Solskjaer take Man Utd on a Premier League title charge? Give us your verdict here.

But the Red Devils boss once again declared that he is "very confident" in his squad when speaking to the media post-match on Saturday, particularly noting how short of a time his three summer signings have been in the building.

"It's the same question that was asked after Wednesday night. I'm very confident that we will get the best out of this squad," Solskjaer affirmed following the draw.

"A lot has happened this month and we've had Raphael [Varane] and Jadon [Sancho] with us since August, and Cristiano [Ronaldo] since September.

"We've got loads to work on and we need to improve, we know that and I know that, but I do believe in this group of players and the coaching staff that I've got. So, the short answer is yes."

But the United manager has challenged his players to produce more consistent performances as they bid to navigate the difficult period and come out stronger on the other side.

"I believe in these players, I believe in the coaching staff and I believe we have something going," Solskjaer stated. "The proof is in the pudding, we need results and you have to turn up.

"You can't say 'we did well against City and Tottenham last year', we have to do it during the 90 minutes, whoever plays."

He added: "That's the challenge, because every game in the Champions League and Premier League is a big game against a good team and every game as Manchester United is a potential banana skin, as we're expected to win every one."