Paul Scholes reveals the exact moment he knew Liverpool could be title winners... and backs his old rivals to lift No 21 before Man United

• e-mail

Paul Scholes has pinpointed exactly when he knew Liverpool were capable of winning the Premier League title this season.

Arne Slot's side thrashed Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to seal a record-equalling 20th English league title, now level with rivals Manchester United.

The Reds are the joint-third earliest champions in the history of the re-branded top-flight and will receive their trophy after the final game of the season at home to Crystal Palace on May 25.

Liverpool went top of the league in November and have not loosened their grip on that spot since.

And Scholes has now revealed that he thought Liverpool showed that they were capable of fighting for first place long before that. 

The former Man United midfielder explained that Liverpool's 3-0 win over his old club at Old Trafford in September convinced him that they were made of title-challenging material.

Paul Scholes revealed he first thought Liverpool could win the title after they beat Man United 3-0 at Old Trafford in September

The Reds won a record-equalling 20th top-flight title after their 5-1 win over Spurs on Sunday

'I actually thought Liverpool would have a chance of winning the league when I saw them playing at Old Trafford back in September,' Scholes told TNT Sports.

'I know that Manchester United aren't in the best shape, but I was really impressed by what I saw from Liverpool.

'There are goals all over the team and I thought if Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson stayed fit, they'd stand a great chance. Even though Alisson missed a few games, Van Dijk was still there and winning the league is an amazing achievement.'

Scholes went on to argue that Liverpool would have still taken home the title even if their rivals were up to scratch this season.

Second-placed Arsenal trail Liverpool by 15 points with four games to go, while Manchester City have been a far cry from their usual dominant selves and are embroiled in a rare race for Champions League football. 

Just last season, Pep Guardiola's side claimed a record-breaking fourth straight Premier League title.

Scholes continued: 'They probably haven't been pushed with the likes of Manchester City not being great this year and with Arsenal drawing too many games. But even if they were pushed, I still think they would've won the title and gone into another gear.

'In the end, it was quite easy, but it's still an unbelievable achievement. They looked like the best team in the league for me. Nobody else got anywhere near them, so you have to admire them for that.'

Scholes went on to argue that Liverpool are likely to win their 21st title before rivals Man United

This season's success means that Liverpool are now level with rivals Man United in terms of top-flight titles won.

And despite showing out for the Red Devils 718 times across 19 years, Scholes conceded that Liverpool look more likely to win a record-extending 21st title before his old club. 

The 50-year-old added: 'When I retired, Liverpool were only two league titles behind us, so you knew there was always a possibility of it happening, and the way things are now, you'd put money on Liverpool winning it again before United do.'

On Sunday, Liverpool equalled Man United with 68 major honours. If Community Shield titles are removed, the Merseyside club lead their rivals 52 to 47.