Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Barcelona would defeat Bayern Munich if they meet in the Champions League, although he says the current Blaugrana side would come up just short to Pep Guardiola's legendary team.

Scholes, who lost two Champions League finals with United against Guardiola's Barca in 2009 and 2011, says Bayern are a stronger team this season to last year.

However, he would back Luis Enrique's team, who thumped rivals Real Madrid 4-0 on Saturday and Roma 6-1 on Tuesday, to see off the German champions should they meet in Europe's elite club competition later this term.

"We're talking about Bayern Munich being the team that are closest to Barca, and Barca destroyed Bayern Munich last year," he told ESPN FC from the BT Sport green room in London, where he was analysing this week's Champions League. "They were much better than them.

"Have Bayern Munich changed anything to get closer? They brought Douglas Costa in, who looks a good player. I don't think they had [Franck] Ribery or [Arjen] Robben last year, Robben's come back. If they do come across each other, it could be interesting. You have to fancy Barcelona."

Scholes added: "Barca and Bayern are, I think, miles ahead of any team. Real Madrid maybe, if on form, but I don't think there's anyone close."

Scholes does, however, feel United's Treble-winning side of 1999 would give the current Barca and Bayern teams a good game.