A lot of people already thought Manchester United would be strong contenders for the Europa League title, providing they took their participation seriously.

It may not be the competition they want to be in, but so far they've shown it the respect it deserves and they've now made it to the latter stages with the end in sight.

Realistically speaking, United are the biggest club left in the tournament and their chances of winning it are high, with a place in the Champions League up for grabs, it represents something that should be taken very seriously by all involved at the club.

Pundits are now starting to speak about the Red Devils as potential winners now they are this far in, and former United star Paul Scholes has joined the chorus of backers to see Jose Mourinho's men lift the trophy.

However, despite being unanimous favourites, Scholes has warned them to be on their guard as he feels there is one club that could derail their hopes of bringing it back home.

"It is a great chance for them," Scholes said as per the Daily Mirror. "They are obviously the biggest club left in the competition. They are favourites and rightly so.

"If they perform anything like [they can] they have got a great chance of winning. I think Lyon are maybe the obvious contenders to United. But, apart from that, I don't see too many problems for them in that competition."

Lyon have been in fine form this season, and that has extended to their efforts in Europe, too. Plus in Memphis Depay there is an old face that could come back to haunt them.

But Scholes is still confident that the club will be able to reach fourth place in the table and qualify through the normal channels, providing they turn up for the crucial games with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

"The chances are good and I expect them to finish fourth. They have been on a fantastic run, without making much progress in the league," he added.

"I think [United's season] has been alright. There is a big period now, this will define how good the season has been.

"They have got three tough away games. If they can get through that with five or six points, they have got a great chance of finishing in the top four."

United haven't lost in the league since October and finally look to have put a run of consistent form together, though in the Premier League, anything can change.