Pearce backs United to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title this year

The Red Devils claimed all three points against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday after goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

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Jack Grealish had put the visitors a goal up on the hour mark before a quick double from United saw the match turned on its head, though Fernandes' equaliser has been shrouded in controversy.

It puts Erik ten Hag's men a point behind City and six behind league leaders Arsenal and Pearce exclusively told talkSPORT that United are in the title race.

He said: "I was asked the exact question pre-game and I said 'if they win [against City] they are 100% in the title race'.

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"They go to Arsenal next week and I tell you what, for all of us on the outside, what a game we have on our hands.

"They just keep coming thick and fast in this division and they are well and truly in the title race."

United have not won the Premier League since 2013 in Sir Alex Ferguson's last year in charge, but have looked a formidable outfit since the World Cup's conclusion - winning every match.

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And even Pep Guardiola conceded that the Red Devils are back at the top after appearing to concede defeat to Arsenal in the title race.

The Catalan coach exclusively told talkSPORT: "I want my team to play every game in the way we played today. This is what I want.

"After another one bit, we cannot win all the time, Manchester City cannot beat them. It's good.

"United is back now after many years, that is the reality. Of course you want to win, but for the way we played you have to be frustrated."

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He went on tell BT Sport: "I don't care about the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, we cannot win."