Paul Scholes: 'Manchester United can launch serious title challenge'

Paul Scholes believes that Manchester United can launch a serious bid to win the Premier League title this season if they maintain their current form.

Louis van Gaal's men recorded their seventh win in eight matches as they beat Newcastle United 3-1 at Old Trafford thanks to a brace from Wayne Rooney and a second-half strike from Robin van Persie.

The former United midfielder feels that not playing in the Champions League will benefit the Red Devils as Chelsea and Manchester City will become bogged down in a hectic fixture schedule next year.

Scholes is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "If United win their next two games, I wouldn't be surprised if they do what Liverpool did last year – go on a great run, a big run, and put pressure on the top two.

"Then, once you get to the Champions League, United will have the free weeks and hopefully they can take advantage."

Van Gaal's men are 10 points behind Chelsea in third place in the Premier League going into upcoming games against Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City.