Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen believes that Manchester United could be out of the Premier League title race already, despite only eight games being played.

The Red Devils, who are under the leadership of David Moyes following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in the summer, are currently eighth in the table on 11 points.

"David Moyes must find a way of restoring Manchester United's sense of invincibility if they are to avoid throwing away their hopes of retaining the Premier League title," Hansen wrote in The Telegraph.

"Forget the predictions that United will now struggle to qualify for the Champions League following their latest poor result - a 1-1 home draw with Southampton - because I do not see any reason to believe they will not secure a top-four finish.

"But in terms of the title, they are certainly on the verge of losing it as a consequence of their unconvincing start to the season."

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City currently occupy the top four spots in the league standings.