MANCHESTER UNITED LEGEND Paul Scholes believes that his old side are capable of launching a serious Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season.
After a rocky start under Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils now sit third in the table as they bid to secure a return to Champions League football, though they are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea and seven behind Manchester City.
But Scholes recalls how Liverpool put together an incredible run of form late in 2013-14 to ultimately finish second and argues that, after beating Newcastle 3-1 on Boxing Day, anything is possible for United.
“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,” he told the Daily Mirror.
“Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage.”
Captain Wayne Rooney impressed for Van Gaal’s men as they beat Newcastle, scoring twice and assisting the third despite playing a less typical midfield role, and Scholes reserved particular praise for the England skipper’s efforts.
“Wayne was top class,” he enthused. “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.”
