ISLAMABAD, Jan. 15 -- There have been a few false dawns but there is growing belief that Manchester United are on the cusp of reclaiming their place as the pre-eminent force in English football.
They are top of the Premier League table after New Year's Day for the first time since Alex Ferguson's glittering dynasty ended with his retirement in 2013, since when they watched first Manchester City and then Liverpool disappear into the distance.
It is one thing leading the pack in January, however, and Sunday's trip to champions Liverpool will provide the acid test for a United revival that few saw coming earlier this season.
The clash promises to be a cracker, even if played in a silent stadium rather than the cauldron of noise which is nor...