London, Dec 27 (IANS): Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is backing his old club to make a surprise English Premier League title charge.

United swept aside Newcastle to make it 22 points from 24 for Louis van Gaal’s side, who have ­consolidated third spot in the Premier League, reports mirror.co.uk.

And United legend Scholes believes his old club can take advantage of Chelsea and Manchester City’s involvement in the ­Champions League in the new year to boost an unlikely title bid.

“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," Scholes said Friday.

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

Scholes hailed United striker Wayne Rooney, who scored twice in the team's win Friday.

“I still think he is a top centre-forward. He is (also) capable of playing that mid-field role when he drops back into it," Scholes said.

“It is an art to run from mid-field into scoring positions. But you still have to finish them - and Wayne did. I thought he was brilliant all day.”