Paul Scholes believes that in Juan Mata, Manchester United have the best player in the Premier League.
The former Old Trafford great has been impressed with the Spaniard, who signed from Chelsea last month.
He also believes that the signing of Mata will prove to be just the start of things at Old Trafford, and David Moyes’ men will be challenging for honours over the next few years.
Speaking to MUTV, Manchester United’s official television channel, the United legend stated…
‘For the last couple of years Mata has probably been the best player in the league.
We had to pay a lot of money for him and we were very lucky that he wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans, and only we can benefit from him now.
‘Hopefully he can have a strong end to the season and he can help us climb the table.’
The Midfielder retired for a second time at the end of last season, and believes that the blip will be overcome in time, with Manchester United dropping points at home to Fulham on Sunday.
A Darren Bent header salvaged a point for Meulensteen, leaving United way off the pace.
Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles and two European Cups at United, played down suggestions that Mata had a similar style to him.
He said: ‘I don’t think he’s similar to me. He’s obviously a quality player but he’s not a central midfielder, he’s a player who likes to play in the No 10 role.
‘It’s going to be difficult for the manager now as we’ve got five players vying for two positions.
‘That can only be a healthy thing for competition though as the two forwards always need to impress because they know the talent waiting to take their place.’
United travel to Arsenal on Wednesday Evening for a crucial Premier League clash, televised live on BT Sport.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
