“Just Shoot the Ball, You Dimwit!” – Paul Scholes Erupts as Manchester United Forward Squanders Hat-Trick Opportunity Against Ipswich Town
“Just shoot the ball, you dimwit. If you can’t shoot the ball, then what are you doing in the forward position? These players are just taking a pss!”* These were the furious words of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes as he tore into a Red Devils forward who, in his eyes, criminally wasted a golden opportunity to score a hat-trick against Ipswich Town.
Scholes, known for his no-nonsense attitude and razor-sharp analysis, couldn’t hide his frustration as he watched United’s attacking struggles in a match that should have been a routine victory. Instead, what unfolded was a display of hesitancy, overcomplication, and a shocking reluctance to shoot—something Scholes believes is completely unacceptable for a forward playing at the highest level.
“A Forward Who Won’t Shoot? That’s a Joke!”
The former midfield maestro didn’t hold back, slamming the United player for repeatedly passing up clear scoring chances. According to Scholes, the player in question had at least three sitters where he could have buried the ball into the back of the net. Instead, he hesitated, overplayed, or attempted a needless pass—infuriating both Scholes and the United faithful.
“A forward who refuses to shoot? That’s a joke. You’re there to score goals, not to play fancy one-twos every single time. This isn’t futsal, this is the Premier League!” Scholes raged in his post-match analysis.
His criticism reflects a growing concern among United fans—why do some of their attacking players seem so hesitant to take responsibility in front of goal? Instead of being ruthless, they overthink, opting for the extra touch or unnecessary pass, ultimately killing attacking momentum.
A Mentality Issue at United?
This isn’t the first time United have been accused of lacking a killer instinct. Under Ruben Amorim, the team has shown glimpses of attacking brilliance but also frustrating moments of passiveness in the final third. Scholes believes this comes down to mentality.
“In my time, if you had a chance, you buried it. End of. You didn’t wait, you didn’t look around for someone else. You took the shot. If you missed, fine, but at least you showed the desire. Right now, I don’t see that in some of these players.”
Scholes’ words have sparked a heated debate among fans. Many agree with him, pointing out that United’s attacking players have been guilty of being too passive. Others argue that modern football has evolved, with players being taught to prioritize build-up play and composure rather than taking reckless shots.
What Next for United’s Attack?
If United are to challenge for trophies, they need their forwards to develop a ruthless streak. The great United teams of the past—whether under Sir Alex Ferguson or even in the more recent eras—were built on clinical finishing. Players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo never hesitated to shoot when given an opportunity.
The question now is whether this current crop of United forwards has that same hunger. If not, Scholes’ frustration may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Will Ruben Amorim take note? Or will United continue to struggle with their attacking indecisiveness? One thing is for sure—Scholes won’t stop calling
them out until they fix it.