Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes the injury sustained by Christian Eriksen could “hurt” Manchester United’s title ambitions.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City lost at the weekend, prompting more debate over whether Erik ten Hag’s side can enter the race for top spot. However, while he wouldn’t rule out his former team as title challengers, Neville feels the absence of Eriksen will play a role in the Red Devils falling short:

“Are we in with a chance again? Look, I don’t think Manchester United will get there, I think they will fall short. They’re just not quite there and the Christian Eriksen injury will hurt, but they’re doing really, really well and they’re competing again.”

“They look happy too and that’s a really big thing. You need that. From that point of view, United are doing well. It’s not ridiculous to say they could win the title. I don’t think they will and I’ve never thought they will this season because it’s a bit early for that.”

Eriksen sustained an ankle injury following a crude tackle from Reading striker Andy Carroll during a FA Cup match. The Danish international was subsequently ruled out for up to three months.

United brought in Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer as a replacement before the transfer window closed, and the Austrian acquitted himself well on his debut versus Crystal Palace at the weekend. Whether he can make up for Eriksen’s absence, though, it is up for debate.

Ten Hag’s men are still eight points behind Arsenal, having played a game more, so the chances of finishing top of the table are still rather slim, but things could change in the coming weeks.