Not many expected it to happen, this season at least, but Manchester United is making a rather surprising push for the English Premier League title. This is according to legendary Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes, who after seeing the 20-time champions steamroll past Newcastle 3-1 on Friday, believes they can challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for the crown.
Louis Van Gaal’s crew, after a shaky start to the season, which began with an opening day 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City, has fought their way back into the top three, with the Boxing Day victory over the Magpies earning the Manchester side their 35th point of the season, and are now ten off of leaders Chelsea.
Scholes insists that in similar fashion to Liverpool last season, Manchester United can “go on a great run” and keep pressure on the top two in the race for the title.
"If United win their next two games [away against Tottenham and Stoke City], I wouldn't be surprised if they do what Liverpool did last year – go on a great run, a big run, and put pressure on the top two," the former Three Lions maestro stated.
"Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage."
Scholes was also full of praise for club captain Wayne Rooney, hailing the “top class” Englishman’s finishing in front of goal in the Old Trafford encounter with Alan Pardew’s men, as the 28-year-old scored twice and assisted the other goal in Friday's victory.
"Wayne was top class," Scholes added. "I still think he is a top centre forward but he is capable of playing that midfield role when he drops back into it.
"It is an art to run from midfield into scoring positions but you still have to finish them and Wayne did. I thought he was brilliant all day."
