Manchester United legend Denis Irwin believes there is "no reason" why the club cannot challenge for the Premier League title this season because the campaign is such a marathon.
In the opening eight league games, United have lost twice, against Manchester City and Watford -- and also drawn twice, against Stoke City and Liverpool.
When asked if United could challenge, Irwin, who won seven Premier League titles during a 12-year stay at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports: "I don't see why not. It's a very competitive league. You look at the teams who could possibly win it and there are six or seven.