Roy Keane says Manchester United's performances at Old Trafford could be the key to whether they are able to sustain a title challenge this season.
The Reds went level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League on Friday as they saw off Aston Villa 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Yet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been hit-and-miss at home so far this season, with defeats against Arsenal and Crystal Palace and draws against Chelsea and Man City.
That was in contrast to United's away form, with most of their victories this season coming on their travels.
Whilst Soksjaer has been coy over the prospect of a title challenge, Keane feels his former side will be starting to grow in confidence that they could well rival Liverpool for first place this season.
With a victory over Leeds United at Old Trafford before Christmas, Keane says a turnaround in home form could well be the catalyst to a United title challenge this season.
"If they keep winning matches," he said on Sky Sports. "We were really critical to start with at the start of the season. I was because their home form was so bad.
"But away from home they were fantastic and we just said if they can get their home form, and a bit of luck against Villa the other night with the penalty, an injury-time winner against Wolves, brilliant against Leeds. United will certainly be getting confidence that they can at least challenge Liverpool."
After matches in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this week, United then face a run of three straight away games in the Premier League, including what could be a crucial trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on January 17.
