If you are naive enough to believe everything you read in the tabloids then Manchester United can be ruled out of the race for the title. Headlines like 'Is Fergie out of time?, 'United in Turmoil' and 'Fergie's men - second best' have been widespread of late, on the back of the Reds' unexpected defeat in the Manchester derby and the draw with lowly West Ham United.
On top of that, Sir Alex Ferguson's recent verbal exchange with an angry fan at the annual AGM meeting, as well as reportedly being involved in a row with United's own TV station after it broadcast criticism of his team, have all served to throw doubt on the credibility of United's tag of pre-season title favourites. That said, it would be unwise to under-estimate a man with the record of Sir Alex.
Some have even dared suggest that Fergie's involvement in the world of horse racing has been a distraction - but I for one don't buy that for one minute. Horse racing has been a hobby and an 'outlet' for Sir Alex for more than a decade and nobody took exception to his racing interests when United were winning the treble three years ago.
The club has grown cash-rich on the back of the success of the 'Ferguson years' and one can't help feeling that those fans who criticise the Scot have either got short memories or have been spoiled by the success of the last 12 years. When Ferguson arrived at the club in 1986 the club had not won the league for 20 years, in his 16 years in charge he has brought the club 16 trophies and a virtual monopoly on the Premiership.
Despite all the negative press, it would take a brave man to write The Reds' obituary just yet. There is little doubt that Sir Alex is concerned with the current state of affairs at Old Trafford. With little or no money to spend when the transfer window reopens in January and following a shake-up within his backroom staff, the next couple of months could be crucial. With a fixture schedule that has served up games against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal in quick succession the club's championship aspirations could be decided within the next few weeks.
Yes, £29.1 million was a lot to play for Juan Veron but you could count on one hand how many Premiership players could make that kind of transfer fee look like a bargain. With United languishing nine points behind Arsenal, with a third of the season gone, many commentators have already all but handed the title to the men from Highbury. But in football a week is a long time, and a month - an eternity.
Not so long ago we were all starting to take Arsene Wenger's bold statement that Arsenal could go through the entire campaign unbeaten, very seriously. However, after more than 30 games unbeaten, and showing imperious early season form, who could have predicted that the Gunners would then lose four consecutive matches? Certainly not me.
Sir Alex has re-built sides at Old Trafford in the 80s and the 90s, and he has recently made noises to suggest that a reshuffle may be required to his current squad, but that may not be necessary just yet. A look at United's bench on Saturday revealed the likes of Kieran Richardson and Jimmy Davis, which, despite the undoubted talents of both youngsters, says a lot about the way injuries, have ripped holes in their resources.
Of the 14 league games that the Reds have played so far, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt and David Beckham have missed four or more of those games.
Keane is arguably the most influential player in the country, and with him back in the engine room, a fit again Van Nistelrooy banging in the goals and Beckham back to his best, can they really be ruled out? Even if United fail to haul back Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for the title don't forget that this year's Champions League Final is to be played at Old Trafford.
