Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says Jose Mourinho has not spent ‘wisely’ in the transfer market – unlike Pep Guardiola

Manchester United have not spent wisely in the transfer market under Jose Mourinho, according to club legend Paul Scholes.

United could trail rivals Manchester City by 17-points at the start of 2018 after being held to a goalless draw at home to Southampton in what was their final match of the year.

Speaking ahead of the match, Mourinho said that his side were struggling to compete with their bitter rivals in the transfer market.

“Money makes a difference,” he said. "Sometimes if you don't have that financial profile of club where there are no limits and the only thing that matters is to get the best, there is only one way which is patience, calm and time.”

But Scholes, who won 18 major honours with the club during his 19-year playing career, insists that Mourinho has had the money, he just has not spent it as well.

“Yeah, it is a little bit strange,” said Scholes, analysing the match for BT Sport. “I think whatever money he wants is available here. The problem he has had is probably spending it wisely.

“You look at the position Manchester United are in, 14 points behind Manchester City and they’ve been complaining about City and what they’ve been doing.

“But it’s probably the last thing you will want to be doing as a manager because whatever City have done, they’re 15 points clear and they’ve done it very well.”

City face Crystal Palace on Sunday with the chance of moving 17-points clear of United, and 16-points clear of second-place Chelsea with a win at Selhurst Park.

And Scholes says that, as well as spending money wisely, Pep Guardiola has also excelled in man-management and coaching this season.

“The performances of (Raheem) Sterling and (Leroy) Sane, they’ve been special players,” Scholes continued.

“He (Guardiola) keeps (Sergio) Aguero happy, one of the best centre-forwards in the world who doesn’t play every week.

“So on a coaching side, as well as spending his money very well, he’s improved his players over the last couple of years as well.”