Man United's chances bright, says legend Scholes

For the first time since they last won the title in 2012-13, Manchester United looks a force to reckon with in the Premier League. Four wins and a draw in their five games so far, with a whopping goal difference of +14, have led to some already tagging United as one of the title favourites this season.

But ask one of their legends Paul Scholes and he has a different take. “Yes, so far it looks good,” he said speaking on the sidelines of the Premier Futsal here.

“After the first couple of matches it does seem like they now have a squad capable of winning the league, but it’s still early days. They have been scoring goals and look really good going forward. But their defence is yet to be tested. They haven’t played the better teams yet. This backline has to hold up against the better sides in the league. But from what we have seen thus far, they have the chance to win the league, yes,” he explained.

While United have been going ahead all guns blazing, their cross-town rivals Manchester City too haven’t been far behind. After a relatively slow start, the Pep Guardiola side has stepped it up. But it’s their tendency to capitulate that puts their title challenge in doubt, according to Scholes.

“They have played well and have scored a lot of goals. They have been the most entertaining side going forward in the league. But I don’t think their defence has been tested yet,” said the 42-year-old Englishman. “I think United have a team capable of scoring goals and also defending well and you need both aspects to win the Premier League.”

Post retirement, Scholes has been involved in the game through his hometown club Salford City. In 2014, he, along with fellow United legends Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville brought a share in the club.

“It’s (Salford City) at a very low level in England. We want to reach as high as we can this season. We are in the sixth tier of English football. First target is to get to second or third tier in the next 3-4 years. I know it’s difficult, and add to that the amount of money that needs to be invested. But we are very passionate about it, it’s our local club and we are committed to doing our best for it,” he assured.