Following Manchester United’s humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, former club legend Paul Scholes delivered a scathing assessment of the team’s performance, claiming they “look like an uncoached side.” Speaking on SuperSport, Scholes criticized the lack of direction, structure, and identity within the squad under manager Erik ten Hag. His comments come at a time when United’s season is spiraling downward, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the effectiveness of the club’s long-term strategy.
Manchester United’s Disappointing Loss to Tottenham
The 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Tottenham Hotspur marked a low point in Manchester United’s Premier League campaign. The match saw United fail to create any significant attacking opportunities, while the defense appeared fragile, allowing Tottenham to dominate proceedings.
Paul Scholes, who was part of Manchester United’s iconic midfield during their golden years, was quick to express his frustrations. “They look uncoached,” Scholes stated, pointing to the lack of cohesion in the squad. “You don’t know how they’re going to play. They look flat and dead, almost as if they don’t know what to do on the pitch.”
This lack of clarity, according to Scholes, is not just a reflection of a bad day at the office, but rather the result of deeper issues stemming from the training ground.
Lack of Progress Under Erik ten Hag
Scholes’ most significant criticism was aimed at the lack of progress Manchester United has shown under Erik ten Hag. Despite the Dutchman being in charge for over two years, Scholes lamented that United still lacks a recognizable playing style.
Contrasting Manchester United’s struggles with Tottenham’s recent resurgence under Ange Postecoglou, Scholes pointed out how quickly the Spurs boss has implemented a clear and effective system. “Tottenham, with a new manager, already have a defined way of playing,” Scholes explained, further emphasizing United’s ongoing struggle to find an identity. “We’re two and a bit years in now at United, and we still don’t have that.”
23 – Manchester United have now lost more Premier League matches by 3+ goals since Alex Ferguson left the club (23 in 424 games) than they did in 1,035 league games under the Scot (22). Demise. pic.twitter.com/DNUWCZoMV0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 29, 2024
Scholes’ comments echo the growing concerns among Manchester United fans, who have been left disappointed by the team’s disjointed performances. While Tottenham is rising under new leadership, United seems stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, with no clear vision for the future.
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Questioning Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy
In addition to criticizing the team’s on-pitch performances, Scholes also took aim at Manchester United’s recent transfer dealings. A key focus of his critique was the club’s £43 million summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt, who joined the club to shore up the defense, has struggled to make a significant impact. Scholes questioned whether the Dutch center-back is a substantial improvement over Harry Maguire, who has been sidelined for most of the season. “When you bring players in, you expect them to be a lot better than who you’ve already got,” Scholes said. “But I don’t see that with De Ligt. There’s no big difference.”
Maguire, who has faced criticism from fans and pundits in the past, has become a peripheral figure under Ten Hag. However, Scholes’ comments highlight that despite Maguire’s fall from grace, his replacement hasn’t necessarily delivered the defensive stability United hoped for.
Scholes’ criticism is not just aimed at De Ligt but also at the overall transfer strategy of Manchester United, which he suggests has lacked foresight and effectiveness in improving the team’s fortunes. The club’s heavy spending over the past few transfer windows has yet to yield tangible results on the pitch.
Comparing United to Tottenham: A Tale of Two Managers
A recurring theme in Scholes’ analysis was the comparison between Manchester United under Erik ten Hag and Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou. Tottenham, who were considered a work-in-progress, have quickly found their rhythm under their new manager. Postecoglou has implemented a high-pressing, attack-minded style that has brought immediate results, including the 3-0 demolition of Manchester United.
Scholes expressed admiration for how quickly Tottenham has adapted to Postecoglou’s system, in stark contrast to United’s ongoing struggles under Ten Hag. “You can see what Tottenham are trying to do,” Scholes said, highlighting how well-drilled the Spurs players looked in comparison to United’s disjointed approach.
According to Scholes, Tottenham’s resurgence is a testament to the importance of having a clear identity, something he believes United has sorely lacked since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes’ Call for Leadership and Accountability
In addition to his tactical critiques, Scholes called on Manchester United’s senior players to step up and take more responsibility. He emphasized that many of these players were brought in for significant fees and are expected to deliver performances that match their price tags. “These are players who have been brought in for a lot of money,” Scholes said. “They need to find a way to play and give us something to believe in.”
Scholes urged the experienced players within the squad to lead by example and stop making excuses for the team’s poor performances. Leadership and accountability, he believes, are crucial for turning United’s season around.
What Needs to Change at Manchester United?
Paul Scholes’ comments reflect a broader sense of frustration surrounding Manchester United’s ongoing struggles. While Erik ten Hag was initially seen as the man to bring stability and direction to the club, the team’s performances this season suggest that there is still a long way to go before United can return to their former glory.
Scholes’ critique of United’s lack of coaching, unclear identity, and questionable transfer strategy raises important questions about the club’s future. If United is to turn things around, there will need to be significant improvements both on the pitch and in the way the club operates behind the scenes.
Can Manchester United Bounce Back?
Manchester United is at a crossroads. The team’s recent performances, combined with growing discontent from fans and former players like Paul Scholes, indicate that something needs to change. Erik ten Hag’s long-term vision for the club is being called into question, and the pressure is mounting for United to deliver results.
As Scholes pointed out, the lack of direction on the pitch can only be solved through better coaching and leadership. Whether Manchester United can make the necessary adjustments remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the club cannot afford to continue in this current state if they want to compete at the highest level again.
