Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, has openly addressed what he considers to be the club’s most pressing issue following their disheartening 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Liverpool. In a game that saw United outclassed in virtually every department, Liverpool walked away with a dominant victory, thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. The defeat has not only sparked concerns among fans but has also led to significant criticism of manager Erik ten Hag. Questions about his job security have been reignited, with rumors swirling about his potential dismissal, especially as betting odds on his sacking have been drastically reduced.
Scholes, who was speaking on Premier League Productions after the match, didn’t mince his words when diagnosing the root of United’s problems. According to the former England international, the midfield area is a glaring weak spot for the team. He observed that Liverpool’s players were far superior in terms of both fitness and athleticism, particularly in the center of the pitch, which played a crucial role in their dominant display.
Expanding on his analysis, Scholes pointed out that several key United players struggled to keep pace with the intensity of Liverpool. He mentioned that young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo seemed to take too long to adjust to the tempo of the game, while Bruno Fernandes, one of United’s most pivotal players, appeared sluggish and far from his best. Scholes also highlighted the fact that Joshua Zirkzee, a relatively new addition to the squad, lacked sharpness due to a lack of regular playing time. These issues, according to Scholes, indicate a broader fitness problem within the team that is concerning, especially so early in the season.
One of the most troubling aspects of United’s performances, as Scholes sees it, is the situation with their center-backs. He expressed alarm over the fact that United have had to substitute their central defenders in the early stages of the season, suggesting that this indicates a significant lack of fitness. In his view, a team should not have to rotate its central defenders so frequently, particularly in the early matches of the campaign when fitness levels should be at their highest. Scholes emphasized that, while it’s not unusual to substitute a full-back, the center-back pairing should ideally be able to complete the full 90 minutes without any issues. The constant changes in United’s defense, in his opinion, are a clear sign that the players are not adequately prepared for the rigors of the Premier League.
Scholes also took aim at any potential excuses that could be made for United’s fitness struggles, such as the involvement of players in the Euros over the summer. He argued that while some of United’s players did participate in the tournament, so did many players from Liverpool and other top clubs. Yet, those teams do not appear to be facing the same fitness challenges. This, in Scholes’ mind, only heightens the concern that something is fundamentally wrong with the way United are preparing for matches.
His comments come at a time when Erik ten Hag is facing increasing pressure from both the fans and the media. Many are questioning whether the Dutchman is the right person to lead the club forward, particularly in light of United’s shaky start to the season. With the international break now upon them, United will have some time to regroup and reflect on their shortcomings before returning to Premier League action. Their next match, against newly promoted Southampton, will be crucial in determining whether the team can bounce back and begin to rectify the issues that have plagued them in the opening weeks of the season.
In summary, Scholes’ critique is centered around two key issues: fitness and tactical preparedness. He believes that United are being left behind in terms of athleticism, especially when compared to teams like Liverpool, who seem fitter and more organized. The lack of sharpness among players like Fernandes, Mainoo, and Zirkzee has only compounded these concerns, raising doubts about whether the team is doing enough behind the scenes to compete at the highest level.
As United look ahead to the rest of the season, they will need to address these glaring problems if they hope to turn things around. Scholes’ analysis highlights just how far the club has to go, not just in terms of results, but in terms of their overall approach to preparation and fitness. The upcoming match against Southampton will offer an opportunity to show whether the team has taken these lessons to heart or if more tough times lie ahead.