Scholes: Sixth Place Not Good Enough

Paul Scholes says Manchester United will turn a disappointing season into a good one if they win the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho's side face Ajax for the second-tier European trophy in Stockholm on Wednesday as they bid to win the competition for the first time and complete a full set of continental trophies.

United have already won the League Cup this term but only finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to successfully defend the FA Cup they won last season.

The Old Trafford side will qualify for the Champions League with a win in Sweden and Scholes thinks that could change perceptions of how Mourinho's first year in Manchester has gone.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It would be a very good one, I'd say. A great one? It's difficult to tell because the league's your bread and butter.

"That's the one where you are judged over 38 games and to finish sixth isn't really good enough. Everybody at the club knows that and the manager will know that.

"It's been half a disappointing season I suppose league-wise, although with 10 draws at home it's been close for them.

"It's been a season which has been difficult to judge. It could have been a lot better than it has been league-wise. United should have won every one of the 10 drawn games.

"They've not been far away. There's possibly another 20 points they should have had in their draws.

"It's been a difficult year for him (Mourinho) but it's a massive game tonight and they need to get into the Champions League then be competitive next year as well.

"Obviously the Champions League is where the club should be, it's where a club the size of Manchester United should be every year.

"They shouldn't just be in it, they should be in with a chance of winning the Champions League."

Former United assistant manager Ryan Giggs claimed 35 winners' medals during in 24 years playing for the club.

Given the Europa League - then branded as the UEFA Cup - was one of the trophies which he eluded him, he believes the prospect of winning it has appeal to United.

Giggs said: "It will be close. A lot has been made of how young Ajax are and they'll be a good team but with our experience and Jose's experience of winning big games, I think they will just nick it.

"Obviously everyone wants to play Champions League football and United are a huge club so we want to be there.

"We've never won the Europa League either so that's a goal for the lads and hopefully we can do it."

Credit: Skysports.com