JOE JORDAN admits Manchester United are in a much better position to challenge for this year’s English Premier League title than his own team, Tottenham.

The Spurs first-team coach does believe that the London side can resurrect their title bid in the next few weeks, however, but admits his players must show more consistency and ruthlessness if they are to put themselves back in contention.

Having spent most of the Christmas period revelling in the hype around Tottenham’s title chances, manager Harry Redknapp now finds his team eight points adrift of league leaders Manchester City after a defeat at the Etihad Stadium and a draw against Wolves.

Spurs are 25 to 1 with some bookmakers to lift their first championship since 1961 and Jordan admits not having the experience of United, who are three points off the top of the table, counts against the White Hart Lane outfit.

Jordan, a former United player, said: “Tottenham and City won their last championship in the 1960s so it goes without saying it’s harder (for either of those sides) to win it.

“United and Chelsea in recent years have proved they are champions and know how to do it.

“United, who have come in for a bit of criticism, are where they are not just because they have quality players, they have the knowledge of how to maintain the consistency.

“They can look back many times and know they have done it. That comes by having success in winning a championship.

“City haven’t done it since the 1960s, neither have Spurs, so it’s fair comment for people to question whether you can sustain it. We have dropped points but we have to accept it, get the results and get the consistency.”

Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe are doubtful for tonight’s game against Wigan after picking up hamstring injuries in last Friday night’s FA Cup win over Watford.

Sandro has returned to light training following his calf injury but is unlikely to be risked while William Gallas (also calf) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) are unavailable.