‘I think they’ll catch them’: United legend explains why he believes Ten Hag’s side will pip Villa and Spurs to fourth

Paul Scholes is standing firm in his belief that Manchester United will be playing Champions League football next season.

Just over a month ago, it’d have been one of the most ludicrous claims to make about the underperforming Red Devils, who have already sustained nine Premier League losses this term. But now, you just can’t rule them out entirely…

Last night’s triumphant win 2-1 over Aston Villa saw United close the gap on the fifth-placed side from eight points to five as well as putting themselves six points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

Newcastle United are five points behind Erik ten Hag’s men, and they too have endured tumultuous form after being CL-chasing high-flyers last season.

In terms of the Reds’ schedule, five of their forthcoming league fixtures are against bottom-half opposition, though the Manchester derby is wedged in there on March 3 at the Etihad – and City have just found their feet in the title race.

Scholes backs United to get the job done

Speaking on Premier League Productions after Sunday’s Villa Park showdown, Scholes reiterated his confidence in United to pull off what seemed like an impossible job before Christmas.

“I believed that [United would qualify for the Champions League] before the game. I always thought we had the chance. Once we got those players back – and I know I keep going on about that – but it was important to get them back, especially with the blend we’ve got now.

“We’ve got some really talented young players and I think United will actually finish above Tottenham and Villa; I think they’ll catch them both in the end and finish fourth.”