Sundaymail EditorPaul Scholes is backing Manchester United to make a surprise title charge. United swept aside Newcastle to make it 22 points from 24 for Louis van Gaal’s side, who have consolidated third spot in the Premier League.
And United legend Scholes believes his old club can take advantage of Chelsea and City’s involvement in the Champions League in the new year to boost an unlikely title bid.
Scholes said: “If United win their next two games, 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.
“Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage.”
Scholes hailed United’s two-goal hero Wayne Rooney, adding: “Wayne was top class today. 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.”
Rooney also talked up United’s title chances, saying: “There’s still a long way to go, we know that.
“We’ve chased leads down before and we’ve lost leads ourselves before, and by a big number of points; so, anything can still happen, especially in the next week or two.
“If we can come out of these games with the right results, then we’ll be in a good position.”
But United boss Van Gaal complained of fixture overload. United play Tottenham at midday on Sunday, just 43 hours after the Newcastle game.
The Dutchman gave his squad Christmas Day off, but said there was no time for his players to train between now and tomorrow’s game, because of the limited recovery time.
“I cannot prepare my team like I have to prepare,” said Van Gaal.
“We have to play twice within 48 hours. With UEFA and FIFA, it’s forbidden to play within 48 hours — but OK, it’s England.” — Mirror.
Online Reporter