Paul Scholes backs Man Utd to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal – but still finish behind Man City

Paul Scholes insists Manchester United can be the ‘best of the rest’ in the Premier League this season and finish second to Manchester City.

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Erik ten Hag’s side are currently fifth, having taken 15 points from their opening eight league games.

United suffered a dismal start to the campaign – losing at home to Brighton and then being smashed 4-0 by Brentford – but then won four games in a row prior to the international break.

A 6-3 drubbing at the hands of Man City gave United a humbling reality check but the Red Devils at least returned to winning ways at the first time of asking, beating Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.

Manchester United are nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and eight behind local rivals Manchester City, although they can cut that gap if they win their game in hand.

While Man City are the only team yet to lose in the English top-flight this season, Pep Guardiola’s side are playing second fiddle to in-form Arsenal, who have won 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions to emerge as the early pace-setters.

Despite Arsenal’s impressive form, Scholes believes Manchester United have a squad capable of soaring up the Premier League table and finishing second behind defending champions Man City.

Asked if United can be the ‘best of the rest’ this season behind Manchester City, Scholes said on BT Sport: ‘Yeah, I think they can, they’ve got the squad to do that.

‘They need to be more clinical though. We keep saying that. The chances they create… they’ve got to find goals from somewhere.

‘There is goals in this team though. We see the fixtures they’ve got coming up and Manchester United are more than capable of beating most of those teams.’

The former England