Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United can't be regarded as title challengers yet, despite securing another impressive win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
United made it four wins in a row since they returned to action following the World Cup thanks to goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.
The victory saw United move level on points with Newcastle in fourth and close the gap to Man City to just one point ahead of their trip to Chelsea later this week.
PLAYER RATINGS: How the United players rated vs Bournemouth
United could go ahead of their closest rivals if they drop points at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford in their next two league matches, though Ten Hag is still cautious to label his side as challengers.
"That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress," he told reporters after beating Bournemouth. "The belief is growing. That is a good signal, and it is good to have that feeling.
"We have to understand that we have to give every game 100 percent energy, 100 percent focus and 100 percent play as a team, and if you keep that philosophy, it is possible, but you have to go from game to game.
"Don’t get too far ahead it is January not even half a season. The next game is Everton, we have to focus on that, it is coming quick, enjoy 24 hours and then move on."
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