Paul Scholes believes Manchester United can finish in the top four and he is tipping two experienced players to play a decisive role.
There is no getting away from the fact it has been a disappointing season for United on the pitch, but our form in recent weeks picked up thanks to the presence of Lisandro Martinez as well as other returning players from long-term injuries.
Now we’re relying on the others to stand up and take responsibility after the Argentina international sustained another nasty knock in last weekend’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
However, things will take a positive turn if United beat Villa today because we will move within just six points of the Champions League spots. The top three tops are likely to be sewn up by Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal – which leaves fourth open to a few prospects, including Tottenham and United.
In most corners, the idea of United breaking into the top four is being scoffed at – but not by former United midfielder Paul Scholes. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Scholes said: “We live in hope that we are going to be a Champions League team.
“We don’t want to be a Europa League team, it’s all about Champions League for Manchester United and it should be. It should be about competing the title.
“Now at this point they’re nowhere near that but top four is still possible. It’s a long way to go, if they get beat today it’s 11 points and you’d think it’s too far. Today will go a long way to deciding if they can do it.
“Villa are a good team but I still think they are capable of going on a run that’s bad that can help Manchester United. United with players coming back into the team could be more consistent towards the end of the season. I think they can win a lot of games.
“But it is important they are in the Champions League. I don’t think a lot of people fancy them to do that even if they win today. It’ll be six points and Tottenham are going well as well.”
Scholes is encouraged by United’s recent form as well as the return of Casemiro to the side, which Erik ten Hag touched on prior to today’s game, too.
He added: “I’ve felt in the last two of three weeks that with all the players back they’ve got a chance of top-four and I think they will get into it because they’ve got that a bit of experience coming back into the team.
“They’ve got a lot of young players but when you’ve got a Casemiro and a Varane next to them it makes a big difference to your team, a little bit of quality.
“And sometimes it doesn’t matter how they play, sometimes it’s just about having their names around. People look at them and go, ‘oh they’ve got a proper team’.”
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