Alan Shearer still believes that Manchester United could pip rivals Manchester City to the Premier League title - but only if they avoid defeat this weekend.

United and City face off at Old Trafford this weekend hoping to close the gap at the top of the table to five points.

Jose Mourinho's men have only lost twice so far this season and head into the derby on the back of an emphatic 3-1 victory over Arsenal.

There have been plenty of plaudits for City's performances this season.

But Shearer says that the attacking displays from United over the past week prove that they are still contenders.

United put in a resilient performance to get past Arsenal at the weekend (
Image:
REUTERS)
Shearer believes that United can still beat City to the title (
Image:
BBC)

"There is a real spirit about this Mourinho side after some difficult years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired," Shearer said in his Sun column.

"This was as good as we have seen since then and will give supporters great hope for the future."

But Shearer insists that defeat to City in the derby this weekend and the campaign could be hanging by a thread.

"Lose to City and much of that hope will be extinguished. Win and their tails will be up. It’s a huge occasion."

Pogba will be missing from this weekend's derby (
Image:
AFP)
United have not appealed Pogba's suspension (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Meanwhile, United will be without Paul Pogba for the derby.

They have decided not to appeal the Frenchman's red card from the game against Arsenal this past weekend.

United's club record £89million signing was sent off for a reckless challenge on Hector Bellerin and will now miss the City clash, as well as games against Bournemouth and West Ham.

Pogba sarcastically clapped referee Andre Marriner after the official showed him a straight red card, but the midfielder will not have his ban extended for that show of dissent.

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