Scholes in disbelief as he points out hurdle facing Ten Hag at Man Utd rarely considered

Paul Scholes has insisted that it is not only Liverpool and Manchester City who Manchester United must get closer to under Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman faces a massive task as he steps into the Old Trafford dugout following a tough season. United finished sixth in the Premier League, but that does not tell the full story of their campaign.

A lack of morale from players who performed so well in 2020/21 has proved a massive factor. What’s more, the change in manager did not help, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick unable to inspire the group.

As a result, Ten Hag is the latest man in trying to get United back to where they should be.

Man Utd finished on 58 points this season. Above them, though, title winners Manchester City claimed 93, edging Liverpool out by a point.

Nevertheless, former Red Devils midfielder Scholes has warned that United have bigger problems to solve before trying to catch the runaway title challengers.

“It’s going to be difficult,” Scholes told Premier League Productions. “It’s a massive job, a major job that we all know to get closer to Manchester City and Liverpool.

“Even to get closer to Tottenham and Chelsea. I can’t believe I’m saying that but you’re 13, 14 points off them as well.

“So he’s got a major job just to get them into the Champions League. I think finishing fourth next year will be seen as some kind of success.”

Indeed, while United are looking to bounce back and strengthen, so too are the teams around them.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League this season and sat third for most of the season. However, they never truly looked like challenging City and Liverpool above them – or dropping to fourth.

Their challenge over summer is to really mount a title charge, not just show promise in