Phil Jones refuses to believe that a Premier League title is out of Manchester United's grasp this season.
Louis van Gaal's side slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday in a result that saw them slip to fourth in the table and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
However, Jones points to the unpredictable nature of England's top flight as reason to stay optimistic in their title bid.
Asked if Sunday's defeat - their first in 11 games - made it harder to chase down the Blues, Jones told BT Sport: "No. You have seen teams dropping points.
"I think Chelsea were clear of City and then two games within the space of a week and they are back in it. That's how football changes.
"It's up and down. You just never know who is going to drop points. That gives us hope. There's always hope, but we have to worry about ourselves really rather than anyone else."
The Red Devils travel away to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
