Manchester United must beat Chelsea, says Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes believes defeat by Chelsea in their “massive” game at Old Trafford next week could cost Manchester United an unprecedented fourth successive Barclays Premier League title.

United opened up a four-point lead on Chelsea at the weekend, but that deficit will be cut to a point if Carlo Ancelotti’s team beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park in their game in hand tomorrow.

Arsenal, who have the easiest run-in on paper of the three title challengers, are just two points adrift of United, with Scholes warning his team-mates that they may have to win all of their remaining seven matches if they are to make history, including overcoming Chelsea on Saturday week.

"The game against Chelsea at Old Trafford next week is going to be massive and we need to win that one, but it’s not the only important match," the midfield player said.

"To secure the title, we’ll probably need to win every game. It’s a tough task, but we can do it."

Wayne Rooney tweaked his knee during United’s 2-1 victory at home to Liverpool on Sunday, but the problem is not thought to be serious and the England forward should be fit for the league game against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday evening.

Rooney has been playing with inflamed kneecap tendons in recent weeks, but despite leaving Old Trafford with a pronounced limp at the weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, will afford his leading goalscorer some rest this week to ensure his availability against Bolton.

Rio Ferdinand, the United defender, described it as "probably the best title run-in for years", with Scholes confident the team’s experience will hold them in good stead.

"Winning the league is a brilliant feeling and, like everyone else at United, I hope we can do it again this season because it would be great to win four titles in a row," he said.

"Bringing the trophy to Old Trafford three times on the trot was a big achievement, but now we want to go a step further."

"The chance of making history doesn’t drive me on. That’s not what is in the back of my mind every time I walk out on to the pitch. I want to win every game and every trophy, whether it’s the first time I’ve won it or the tenth."

"I’d like to think we have the right players, ones who have been there before and know how tough it can be to win the league. If you’ve never won the league, then you’re desperate to do so. On the flip side, once you start winning trophies, you don’t want to stop. Maybe that experience will help us."

"Every season is different and throws up new twists and challenges. All we can do is hope we react to what happens in the right way."

From www.timesonline.co.uk