Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand in agreement on Man Utd’s title chances after derby win
Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand both refused to get carried away with Manchester United’s Premier League title prospects.
The Red Devils have moved within six points of leaders Arsenal after beating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The result was controversial due to Marcus Rashford being in an offside position during the build-up Bruno Fernandes ‘ equaliser. Rashford scored United’s winner, while Jack Grealish opened the scoring.
United can move level on points with Arsenal if Mikel Arteta’s side lose at rivals Tottenham on Sunday and Erik ten Hag’s hopefuls win their next two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and the Gunners. Both of those United fixtures are on the road.
Old Trafford heroes Scholes and Ferdinand were asked about their ex-club’s title credentials after Saturday afternoon’s game. Scholes told BT Sport: “We’ve learnt that they [United] can beat a big team when the pressure’s on and they’ve needed to [step up].
“You asked me the question before are they in the title race? I think you have to say they are. If they keep people fit, they’re one point behind City now – City for me are still the best team in this league – and it’s okay winning games now.
“But March and April time it’s so hard to win those games. Arsenal are going really well, they look a really good team, but injuries could affect them, and they’ve got a manager who’s inexperienced in winning league titles and trophies really. There’s 20 games to go, there’s so far to go in this – it could change by February.”
Ferdinand was then asked if United can finish above City. He said: “They’re closing the gap slightly, but I still think there’s a major way to go. The gulf between the clubs is still huge, don’t let this result kind of take your way of looking at things and become unrealistic.
“Man Utd have still got a way to go but they’re on the right road now and Man Utd fans, I think I felt something in this ground that I haven’t felt for a long time, there was a belief.
“There was a connection between the players on the pitch and the fans again because there’s a committed team out there who are willing to fight, who won’t fold under pressure, won’t fold when there’s a bit of a bad spell in a game, and that’s only good for the future of this team
“The manager has to have huge compliments right now because he’s building a team that are up for the fight.”
City are still considered as the favourites for the title after lifting the Premier League trophy four times during the previous five seasons. They also boast the Premier League’s leading scorer in Erling Haaland, who has already found the net 21 times this term.
Arsenal, meanwhile, can make a huge statement by beating Tottenham on Sunday afternoon – with Newcastle and Spurs also in contention. It’s far too early to make a realistic Premier League title prediction, with 20 matchdays remaining in the campaign.
