Paul Scholes recently weighed in on the relationship between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and a key player, shedding light on the dynamics at Old Trafford amid the club’s shaky start to the Premier League season. United’s struggles were once again evident in their goalless draw against Crystal Palace, a result that has only added to the growing concerns surrounding the team’s performance under Ten Hag.
Scholes, a revered figure in United’s history, pointed out that Ten Hag seems to have been particularly keen on replacing Harry Maguire with Matthijs de Ligt. Maguire, who has been under intense scrutiny for the past two years, has often found himself the subject of criticism from fans and analysts alike. His position at the club has been precarious, with speculation about his future growing with each passing season. This summer, Ten Hag moved decisively by bringing in De Ligt for a hefty £43 million, a move that Scholes believes was part of the manager’s long-term plan to phase Maguire out of the starting eleven.
Reflecting on the situation, Scholes noted during the Overlap Fan Debate that Ten Hag “couldn’t wait to get De Ligt in ahead of Maguire; he was just waiting for the chance.” This statement underscores Scholes’ belief that Ten Hag has been eyeing this change for some time, eagerly awaiting the right moment to execute it. Maguire, once a mainstay in United’s defense, now finds himself on shaky ground as De Ligt steps into the spotlight.
Despite this, Scholes remains unconvinced that De Ligt represents a significant improvement over Maguire. “Honestly, I’m not sure it’s that much of an improvement,” he remarked. “He might be slightly better, but not to the extent where you think, ‘Wow.’” Scholes’ skepticism highlights the fine margins at play in top-level football, where even the most celebrated signings may not always deliver the transformative impact that fans and pundits hope for.
Scholes also commented on Ten Hag’s cautious approach to integrating new players into the squad, a strategy that has become increasingly apparent. He mentioned how Manuel Ugarte, another new signing, was introduced to the fans during the Liverpool game but then had to leave for international duty with Uruguay. This led to a delay in his full integration into the team, something that Scholes suggests is typical of Ten Hag’s careful handling of new acquisitions. “With South American players, sometimes they don’t return until a Friday, and then they’re expected to play a Saturday lunchtime game,” Scholes explained, indicating the complexities involved in managing international stars.
Moreover, Scholes highlighted a curious pattern in Ten Hag’s management style, referencing De Ligt’s time at Bayern Munich, where he was surprisingly benched in favor of Eric Dier, even when no clear reason was apparent. This, according to Scholes, raises questions about Ten Hag’s decision-making process when it comes to squad rotation and player selection. “So, are we not allowed to rotate anymore?” Scholes quipped, suggesting that Ten Hag’s reluctance to rotate might be stifling the squad’s potential.
The discussion sparked reactions from fans, with one comment standing out: “Scholes was an incredible player, but you just know he’d make an awful manager.” This fan reaction encapsulates the ongoing debate about whether great players necessarily translate into great managers or pundits, especially when their views on tactical decisions clash with the current direction of the team.
In summary, Scholes’ insights offer a nuanced perspective on the ongoing challenges at Manchester United. While Ten Hag’s decisions continue to be a focal point for analysis and debate, the true impact of his choices, especially regarding Maguire and De Ligt, remains to be seen as the season progresses. Whether Scholes’ concerns will prove to be prophetic or overly cautious is something that only time will reveal.