Man Utd are out of the title race already with only Liverpool and Arsenal able to contend with Man City, says Paul Merson

Speaking in his Sky Sports column, Paul Merson believes Manchester United are out of the title race after just five games, with only Liverpool and Arsenal able to compete with Manchester City at the top of the table.

United were beaten 3-1 by Brighton on Saturday, meaning Erik ten Hag's side have lost three out of their opening five Premier League matches to begin the campaign, and lie nine points behind Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's treble winners have five wins from five at the top of the table and have a two-point lead over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. The latter two teams face off in a pulsating north London derby on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off at 2pm.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have only one win to start the season following their 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Super Sunday.

Read below for the Magic Man's thoughts...

Liverpool and Arsenal are the only contenders for Manchester City this season.

Liverpool were poor against Wolves first half, really poor. But they came out in the second half and blew Wolves away. The problem is you can't be doing that against the better teams. You don't want to be going to the Emirates or the Etihad and playing like that, the game would be all over in the first half.

You've just got to stick with Man City for as long as you can. Every game that goes by, you have to make sure you're three points away from them, tops.

For example, Manchester United are already nine points behind. They're finished. Done. They can't win the league - because it's Man City. If it's any other team you can go, 'oh if you put a run together, you never know.' But City are not losing four or five games.

You have to start well. Look at Arsenal last season. Look at when Jose Mourinho won the league at Chelsea. He