Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes they're in the title race this season.
Solskjaer admits United have struggled for consistency recently but they are not alone in that.
And he expects it to be a recurring theme for all the top sides before the title is settled.
The 47-year-old said: “I don't think you'll see the same total-points score we have seen the last three seasons, 100 per cent sure, because of the congestion and because of the preparation teams have had.
“This will be one of those seasons where after a blip, after a defeat, you need to get back on form.
“There's been so many examples of teams slipping up when you think maybe they're going to run away.
“We're going to do as well as we can, as long as we can, hang in there and keep moving up the table. Moving into the top four would be significant.
“We know we've played a game less. Hopefully, we take advantage to move closer to the top.
“And regarding inconsistency, it depends — how many games do you wanna go back?
“Go back 40 games and we're one of the most consistent in the Premier League.
“Football is a game with human beings, who live their own lives and we have played some fantastic games.
“But you're disappointed when you lose. It's fine margins at times that decide if you win or lose.
“We're getting less bad performances and getting more consistent in the level we play at."
