Sergio Aguero bizarrely claims Man Utd are title challengers despite being 11 points off the pace as he backs Newcastle and Tottenham - not Arsenal or Liverpool - to fight with old club City for top spot

Even the most optimistic Red Devil fan would find it hard to believe that Erik ten Hag's men have the potential to conquer England come May given their current lean patch of form. They have lost 12 of their 25 matches played so far this season and find themselves in seventh with 28 points from 17 matches, 11 adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

Despite such poor figures, Aguero has backed United to be a title contender and labelled them as the "biggest threats" to City's ambitions of defending their crown.

Speaking toStake.com, Aguero said: "You can never sleep on Man United at this stage of the season. They are one of the biggest threats to Man City’s Premier League title. I also think Tottenham are title contenders, who have improved a lot under Ange Postecoglou. Even despite their ups and downs, Newcastle are also in with a chance of the title as they always put up a fight.”

Aguero also hailed compatriot Alejandro Garnacho for scoring a stunning Cristiano Ronaldo-esque overhead kick against Everton, claiming that the Argentine's strike was better than Wayne Rooney's heroics in the Manchester derby back in 2011.

“Wheeeew, what a goal! That has to be the best goal of 2023," he added. "When I saw it, I was awestruck. It's not easy to score a goal like that. Garnacho’s goal and Rooney’s goal against City are both great goals. For the physical prowess behind them, and the sheer beauty of the goal. But I choose Garnacho's for one major reason, Rooney scored against City!”

United eked out a hard-fought goalless draw against Liverpool in the Premier League in their previous fixture which should boost their morale ahead of a busy festive period where they are set to play three matches in eight days. Their journey resumes against West Ham in London on Saturday followed by fixtures against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest on December 26 and 30 respectively.