Stan's 5-Point Stance: Man Utd Are Title Contenders, Ramsey Key for Arsenal

In this week's five-point stance, Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore delivers his verdict on matters relating to Manchester United, Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

1. Manchester United Are Genuine Title Contenders

Manchester United are in the best position out of all the top clubs in the Premier League. They don't have the distraction of the Champions League, have won five on the spin and will add at least one central defender in the January transfer window.

If they don't have a real go at the title, United will at the very least have a major say in who wins it this season. But I would say they are now genuine contenders.

We started the season with United aiming for a top-four finish. That's changed now. They're inside the top three and could mount a serious challenge to Chelsea and Manchester City.

2. Brendan Rodgers Is Clinging on at Liverpool

Like Bleacher Report's Duncan Castles, I heard two weeks ago that John Henry has tried to sack Brendan Rodgers a couple of times already. He was persuaded not to by Ian Ayre and a couple of club legends, who were sought out for their counsel.

In my opinion, it would be wrong for Henry to pull the trigger too soon—he should wait until the end of the season at least and see where Liverpool stand.

Unfortunately, being in the Europa League won't help them. It becomes a distraction and a pull on resources. Should he put a full side out? It's a tough problem.

But Rodgers' signings just haven't worked. Adam Lallana has been no better than a six out of 10, Mario Balotelli a five, Rickie Lambert five, Lazar Markovic five. It's been the stuff of nightmares for Rodgers.

3. Manchester City's Win in Rome Means Everything

It goes without saying that it was a vitally important result for Manchester City against Roma.

For the players, their backroom staff and the supporters, there is now a real sense of belief that City can be a force in Europe—which is exactly what they should be after the money they've spent.

Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas typified a very mature performance from City in Rome. Sometimes Nasri is on the periphery, but he was on point on Wednesday night.

City are now in the mix with the three best clubs in Europe: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The time has come to show they truly belong in that company.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

4. Ramsey's Goals Could Be Key for Arsenal

Aaron Ramsey's wonder goal against Galatasaray can only give him confidence moving forward, and the hope for Arsenal is that the Welshman can get on a scoring run.

If Ramsey can add eight to 10 goals before the end of the season, the Gunners could cement their place inside the top four and achieve their season aims.

Arsene Wenger is once again under pressure, but Ramsey could be the man to save him this season.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

5. Zlatan's PSG Aren't Good Enough to Conquer Europe

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the opener against Barca, but his dream of winning the Champions League with PSG looks a long shot to me.

The main trouble PSG have is the lack of quality in their domestic league. It just doesn't ready the side for the challenges ahead in the knockout stages of the Champions League, and they'll be caught out.

I have a feeling PSG's Qatari owners will come to realise that, and I wouldn't be surprised if they ditch the whole project and sell up in the next five years or so.

Former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore is in his second season as a regular contributor for Bleacher Report.