Jose Mourinho feels Manchester United have missed an opportunity to open up a decisive lead over Chelsea.
With Petr Cech, Arjen Robben and John Terry among those on the Chelsea injury list, Mourinho's side have dropped points against Reading, Fulham and Aston Villa over the festive period.
Chelsea are now six points adrift at the top going into the second half of the season, but Mourinho is confident his side can come back and believes United should have done better.
United lost to West Ham before Christmas and were held to a surprise 2-2 draw against Newcastle on New Year's day, and Mourinho is thankful that they have not opened up a gap of more than ten points.
He explained: "Considering the problems Chelsea have had, Manchester United should be 10, 12, 14 points clear of us.
"I am happy to be six points behind. Six points is nothing.
"In previous seasons, we have gone 11, 12 points clear and killed things off by Christmas. In my opinion, Manchester United did not take advantage of our bad moments. They could have done better.
"They didn't take their opportunity on Monday when they drew at Newcastle. Manchester United have dropped five points at West Ham and Newcastle recently and the gap could have been bigger.
"Now we look forward to the second half of the season when we should have some people back pretty quickly.
"John Terry should be available for the next Premiership game with Wigan and Petr Cech and Arjen Robben for the game after that (at Liverpool)."