“If you have any ambition…” – Paul Scholes backtracks on Man United prediction due to key moment

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes no longer believes that the Red Devils can achieve a top-four Premier League finish this season.

Despite stating less than a month ago that he believes Erik ten Hag’s United side will finish in the top four, a series of poor results in the weeks since seemingly have changed Scholes’ mind.

With one win and two losses in their three Premier League games since Scholes’ last comments, Ten Hag has continued to come under fire, with several names being touted as potential successors to the Dutchman.

With Ten Hag’s hopes of keeping his job seemingly relying on United’s success in both the league and FA Cup, it’s clear he no longer has the backing of club legend Scholes.

Speaking on United’s top-four chase, Scholes would tell the following to Premier League Productions:

“What are Man United now? 11 points [off top four]? I think it’s very difficult. When I was here a couple of weeks ago, I thought they had a chance when they beat Aston Villa, but then they go and lose to Fulham.

“You can’t lose at home to Fulham if you have any ambition of getting that fourth spot or fifth spot, which might be possible.

“Fifth spot is the best they can hope for. What are they six points behind Tottenham, who look alright as well Tottenham? They can’t afford to worry about anybody else, they are playing that poorly themselves. You just have to worry about yourself and try to win the games in front of them.”

Manchester United have so far lost 11 Premier League matches, with the Red Devils sitting in 6th place with a -2 goal difference.

Across the ten previous seasons, United have spent in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, only on two occasions have United lost more than the 11 league matches they have under Ten Hag this season.

In those two seasons 13/14 and 21/22, United would lose 12 Premier League matches, with neither manager remaining in charge the following season (David Moyes, Ralf Rangnick.)