Sergio Aguero has claimed Manchester United are still firmly in the Premier League title race, naming them as more likely challengers to Manchester City than Arsenal and Liverpool.
It has been a stumbling start to City's bid for a fourth consecutive title, with Pep Guardiola's side on a run of just one win in six League matches to fall off the pace set at the top of the table.
City are five points behind leaders Arsenal and four off both Liverpool and Aston Villa, and could see that grow this weekend. Their involvement in the Club World Cup means that City do not return to Premier League action until December 27.
Arsenal led the way in the title race for much of last season and will be top at Christmas if they can pick up a statement win at Anfield on Saturday, in a match that gives Jurgen Klopp's side that chance to bolster their own credentials.
However, former City striker Aguero looked further down the table when asked about those who could deny Guardiola and his players yet another League title.
The Argentina has refused to rule out a shock charge from United, who sit seventh and 11 points off Arsenal, while also pointing to Tottenham and Newcastle, both weakened by key absentees, as possible contenders too.
“You can never sleep on Man United at this stage of the season," Aguero told Stake.com.
"They are one of the biggest threats to Man City’s Premier League title. I also think Tottenham are title contenders, who have improved a lot under Ange Postecoglou.
"Even despite their ups and downs, Newcastle are also in with a chance of the title as they always put up a fight.”
