Wayne Rooney
Rooney scored the only goal to give United victory at Anfield Getty Images

Jamie Redknapp thinks Manchester United may be back in the title hunt following their 1-0 against Liverpool on 17 January. The Red Devils won an uninspiring game at Anfield thanks to a late Wayne Rooney goal and the 42-year-old pundit thinks United could still achieve an against-the-odds title triumph this season.

Despite their woeful form over the festive period, Redknapp believes United remain within reachable distance of the top. However, he said the Red Devils will need to put a winning run together, starting with their next two home fixtures.

"In this remarkable season of the unexpected, Manchester United are now seven points off the top. Do not underestimate what Sunday's win at Liverpool will do for their dressing room," he wrote in the Daily Mail. "They have two home games to follow – Southampton and then Stoke –and if they can get up a head of steam, we may be looking at a three-team title race."

The former Liverpool midfielder still considers Manchester City to be the title favourites but he has refused to bet against United springing a surprise. "Manchester City, with a fit Sergio Aguero, are the favourites but United's 1-0 victory at Anfield could be a game-changer for Louis van Gaal. He has got some credit in the bank now," he said.

"United had only one shot on target at Liverpool but it was the winning goal for Wayne Rooney, who is looking sharp again. I'm not saying United will win the title but they are back in the hunt and we should not write them off."

Redknapp admitted United's lack of firepower remains a concern but said they appear to be slowly improving on their previous insipid performances. "They have scored eight goals in the league since the start of December and they are only the ninth highest-scoring team in the division," he explained. "But they have opened the door again and they cannot play any worse than in some of their joyless performances earlier this season."