MANCHESTER, England -- Sir Alex Ferguson used to say the key to the title race was to stay in touch with the leaders until Christmas and then win it in the second half of the season. For the first time since Ferguson retired in 2013, Manchester United have done the first bit. A frantic 6-2 win over Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday means that on Christmas Day this year, United will be third in the table, five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not the type to get carried away, but for the first time in a long time, United have at least made sure they are part of the conversation.