MANCHESTER UNITED would almost certainly be crowned Premier League champions if the season was called off due to coronavirus.
The Red Devils haven’t won the top-flight since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012-13.
Man Utd sit top of the PL points per game standings at present
Man Utd would be crowned champions if the season was to be ended todayCredit: AFP
In fact, even grabbing a top-four spot has proved challenging since Fergie’s retirement.
But incredibly, they’re in with a shot of clinching the title this season after a remarkable uptick in their form in recent months.
United currently sit second in the table, level on points with reigning champions Liverpool – below them only on goal difference.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have a game in hand – against Burnley on January 12.
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Even a point will see the Red Devils back on top of the Premier League.
Liverpool slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Monday night, meaning they are now winless in their last three games.
After thumping Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park, the Reds have drawn to struggling West Brom and Newcastle, before their Saints loss.
Meanwhile, United are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games – last losing on November 1 in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
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With rivals Liverpool and Manchester City both dropping points at regular intervals this season, United suddenly find themselves in a title race.
In fact, they’re the best team in the league this season based on points per game.
Man Utd are the only club to have earned over two points per game, at 2.06ppg this season.
Liverpool (1.94) and Man City (1.93) sit second and third respectively, with Leicester (1.88), Tottenham and Everton (both 1.81) completing the top six.
Should the season be called off, the points per game method would most likely be used to determine the final standings.
And that’s not only good news for Man Utd, with City also massively benefiting.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit fifth – OUTSIDE of the Champions League places.
But under the points per game method, they will move up two places to third, shunting Leicester and Tottenham down a place – with Spurs missing out on a seat at Europe’s top table.
Everton and Aston Villa would also both move up a place each, with Southampton sliding down two places to eighth.
From ninth to 20th, there would incredibly be NO CHANGE in the standings, meaning Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United would be relegated.
There is no suggestion of the league being axed at this stage, despite a number of clubs being hit by Covid-19 outbreaks including Newcastle, Fulham and Man City.
Under the latest national lockdown, elite sport, including the Premier League, can continue.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
