Paul Scholes

Having halted United’s run of consecutive league wins last term, the Blues will start next season as the outright favourites to win the title, with totesport pricing them at 13/8.

While United pushed Chelsea all the way last season, taking the race to the last day, it was the west London side who ultimately controlled the destiny of the silverware for much of the campaign.

While last year eventually developed into a two horse race once again, this season promises to be a lot closer with the likes of Arsenal (4/6 top four finish), Manchester City (1/2), Tottenham (3/1) and Liverpool (7/4) all hopeful of being involved in the title picture.

Despite City having spent nearly £80million on new players already, with more set to arrive before the transfer window shuts, Scholes still believes it will be reigning champions Chelsea who will give United the biggest test.

“Who will our biggest rivals for the title be? You have got to say Chelsea. And the rest… you just do not know,” said Scholes, as he gets ready for Thursday’s pre-season friendly against MLS All-Stars.

“City? We will have to see what happens there. They have bought so many players. Whether they can gel together remains to be seen.”

Despite having lost their crown last season, United have so far failed to spend anywhere near the amount their city rivals have in the hope of claiming their 19th league title. Forward Javier Hernandez and defender Chris Smalling have been the only new arrivals at Old Trafford thus far.

Much like United, Chelsea have also failed to break the bank in a bid to strengthen their position as kings of England, with Yossi Benayoun their only big name arrival thus far.

While there is just over a month of the transfer window left, it seems unlikely either Chelsea or United will make more than one, if any, big money signings, instead relying on the stars of last season.

Scholes is confident that the crop of players, who pushed Chelsea so close last season, will be able to go one place further and get back to the top of the table.

“We have to be confident. Last year we didn’t win what we wanted to win, but, looking back, we definitely were not that far off,” added the former England international.

“You do not want to use excuses, but the injuries we had were shocking really. Hopefully most of us can stay fit this year and hopefully we can go one step further than last season.”

Before United begin the new season against Newcastle on August 16 they will contest the annual curtain raiser, the Community Shield, against Chelsea on August 8.

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