Paul Scholes makes bold claim on Manchester United’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four

BT Sport pundit Paul Scholes has made a bold claim on Manchester United's hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season. The former Red Devils midfielder believes Erik ten Hag's men can join the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the fight for Champions League spots.

Unlike last term, the competition for the top-four spots in the Premier League this season promises to be more intense with almost all the big teams performing well. Chelsea and United, however, are not quite there yet.

As it stands, Manchester City lead the table with 28 points from 12 games, with Liverpool following closely with 27 points. Arsenal occupy the third position with just as many points as the Reds but with a poorer goal difference while Tottenham Hotspur complete the top four with 26 points.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are sixth in the standings with 21 points - four points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Regardless, Paul Scholes believes they can end up sealing a top-four finish come the end of the term and blamed their recent struggles on the injury crisis.

“We know there’s a big gap when it comes to the likes of City, other teams it is much of a muchness," the Manchester United legend said on the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel.

"Yeah, Liverpool are decent, Arsenal are decent, but Man United should be in that fight for the top four and I still think they will be come the end of the season.

"We’ve had so many injuries. He’s emphasised he wants a settled back four and a holding midfield player. He’s not been able to pick a settled back four all season. Amrabat came in late, Casemiro picked up an injury. It’s just not been right,” he added.

What does the future hold for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United?

Manchester United have been eliminated from the EFL Cup and are unlikely to compete for the Premier League title this term. They also have a mountain to climb to progress into the Champions League knockout phase after winning just one of their four group-stage games.

This run of poor performances and results has led to questions being asked regarding Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford. For the moment, the Dutchman appears to have the club's backing to continue with his job.