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Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho can beat Pep Guardiola to title this season - Claudio Ranieri
MANCHESTER UNITED can pip Manchester City to the Premier League title this season despite a poor start to the campaign.
That is the opinion of former Chelsea and Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri.
Manchester United have lost two of their first three league games of the season.
A shock 3-2 loss at Brighton was followed by a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Monday.
United are now the fifth favourites to win the title, with City tipped to win it for a second successive year.
I think also Mourinho can fight for the title
Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham, who all have a 100 per cent record this season, are ahead of United in the running with the bookies.
Ranieri admits there are five teams who can win the league and says it will be hard for Manchester City to win it back to back.
But he can see United lifting the trophy for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
“It will be difficult, but Pep can do it (win it back to back),” Ranieri said on Sky Sports.
“Sooner or later, somebody has to (do it).
“Of course there are some good teams who can fight for the title.
“Look at Liverpool, I think also Mourinho can fight for the title.
“And Chelsea, why not? Tottenham, Tottenham have to fight. Tottenham have everything to fight for the title.”
United will look to return to winning ways this afternoon when they visit Turf Moor to play Burnley (4pm).
Sean Dyche’s side are coming off the back of Europa League disappointment, where they were knocked out at the play off stage on Thursday by Greek giants Olympiakos.
Burnley have picked up just one point from their opening three league games this term, a draw at Southampton.
They sit second bottom in the table, five places behind United in 14th.