So can Manchester United win the title?

That question has been the big talking point of the week since they dealt with Liverpool at Old Trafford last Sunday.

I wish I could say it was a convincing victory, even though the scoreline was certainly convincing.

United have now won their last six matches but, in just about every game, their goalkeeper David de Gea has been man of the match.

That says something about how those six wins have been achieved.

But the one thing about winning is that it breeds confidence, and once you start believing you are going to win games it’s incredible how luck seems to turn in your favour.

The reason people are now starting to talk seriously of United as possible title contenders is that they have a number of injured players ready to return – Di Maria, Rojo, Blind, Herrera – and when their full squad is fit you would think they have enough capability to beat most teams in the league.

Before their six-match winning run started, United were 33/1 for the title. They are now 10/1.

Additionally, as we saw with Liverpool last season, a single focus makes a massive difference.

No other competitions, no other problems of travelling, injuries and suspensions, so the belief of people backing them is that if they can stay on the coat tails of Chelsea and Manchester City until February, when the Champions League starts again, then 10/1 might not be a bad price.

You have to think United are riding their luck a little, however, as Carrick at centre half, Young at left back and Valencia at right back is hardly what you would pick as a perfect back three.

It really is a makeshift set-up, but as you can see from Louis Van Gaal, he is not lacking in confidence or his own self belief.

Suddenly Rooney and Mata want to play to their best and it wouldn’t surprise me if United continued winning over Christmas.

Having said that, tomorrow is going to be a fascinating game because they are up against a proper centre forward in Christian Benteke at Aston Villa.

He is the sort of player who could give a makeshift defence a nightmare time, so it’s a game I will certainly be keeping a close eye on.

It was great to catch up with Andy Booth in the week.

The Huddersfield Town legend was at the Wembley draw to determine who won the £250,000 top prize in the Skybet Transfer Fund competition.

I had a good chat with Boothy and he says the Town squad are confident they can take a good share of points over the Festive period – starting against Birmingham City tomorrow – before taking on Reading for the place in the FA Cup fourth round.

The trip to Rotherham is a cracking derby for Boxing Day and then Town will be looking for quick revenge over Bolton at the John Smith’s on December 28.

With Grant Holt returning to Wigan Athletic after that match, hopefully James Vaughan – who is now back and playing – can keep himself fit and have one of his golden runs.

If Vaughan can hit the sort of form which has made him so popular with the club, then there is no reason why Town can’t maintain the home form which should keep them safe and also improve on their away form, which is proving a letdown at the moment.