Michael Owen believes there are five players in Manchester United’s team that have to stay fit if they are to be genuine title contenders this season.

The Red Devils came out 3-2 winners against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last night, with Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood all being named in the starting lineup. Owen feels all five need to be kept on the pitch as much as possible:

“You have to find a way because the only way United will win the title is with their best players playing. You take three or four out the team and all of a sudden they’re an okay team. So Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to keep finding ways of getting the likes of Pogba, Fernandes and those front three. That’s such an exciting team out there and he’s got to find a way of playing that team more often.”

It was only a couple of weeks ago where pundits and fans were questioning the future of Solskjaer so it does show you how quickly things can change in football. Considering the packed fixture schedule and the potential for injuries, it is very much a lottery in terms of what could happen over the coming months.

However, as Owen says, if United can keep their key players fit and firing, there is no doubt that they will be competing near the top of the table.