Manchester United further consolidated their position in the top four by beating Leicester City 3-0 at home on Sunday.
They are now just three points behind Manchester City in second and five points behind league leaders Arsenal, having played a game more.
The Red Devils have a chance to end a six-year wait for a trophy next Sunday when they take on Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
And Bent conceded that if Manchester United win that trophy in Erik ten Hag’s first season, it should be a major worry for the other clubs and could be a sign of things to come in the next few years.
The former striker pointed out how Manchester City used winning the EFL Cup as a platform to mount title charges in recent years and believes Manchester United could do something similar if they are victorious at Wembley next Sunday.
Bent said on Premier League TV: “It could be the start of things to come.
“Manchester City certainly have had dominance on this trophy over the last few years and look at the kick it gave them.
“They win it every single year and second half of the season, they are right at it.
“But if Manchester United go on and win this in Ten Hag’s first season then it would be a bit of a worry for other teams.
“They have got the takeover news coming, they are certainly a lot closer to the title than a lot of people thought they would be.
“Everyone at the start of the season said it would be between Manchester City and Liverpool.
“It’s Arsenal who are pushing Manchester City at the moment but Manchester United are right there and thereabouts.
“If they win the EFL Cup, I’d probably make them slight favourites, then you have to say that certainly from now until the end of the season, they are right in the title race for sure.”
Manchester United have not won a trophy since winning the Europa League in the 2016/17 season.
