Ashley Young: Never thought that United were out of the title race

United's hopes of retaining their crown appeared slim after successive home defeats against Everton and Newcastle, but David Moyes' men have produced a string of wins in recent weeks.

A hard-earned 1-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday has moved United within striking distance of the top four and Young feels the players are showing the qualities needed for a title charge.

"It is more the character and the team spirit we have got, to bounce back from defeats and disappointing performances," he said.

"We show that resilience, that strength in depth in the squad, that team spirit - we have got all that off the field, so when you take that onto the field, you win games and we have shown that in the past few performances.

"I keep talking about the momentum we are building. As long as we keep playing the way we have, we will keep building that up.

"If you were to ask anybody around the club, no-one would have ever said we were out of the title race.

"We have to just keep winning games. Our momentum is building now and we have to keep playing as we have done to take those chances which will see us back up the table."

Manager David Moyes echoed Young's words and has urged United to maintain their form in the weeks ahead.

"We have to keep moving on and believing that we are going to catch the teams above us, we have to believe that we are going to go out and win the games," he said.

"We look more likely to score goals and it looks as if we are creating more. The players are getting the bit between their teeth again and I think they are generally doing much better."