As Manchester United gears up for the upcoming Premier League season, club legend Paul Scholes has voiced significant concerns about the team’s readiness, with a particular focus on new goalkeeper Andre Onana. Despite the excitement surrounding United’s FA Cup victory, Scholes remains apprehensive about the season’s prospects, pointing to unresolved issues in the midfield and defense, as well as the potential risks associated with Onana’s playing style.
Scholes, who was a mainstay in United’s midfield during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, shared his concerns during an appearance on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast. Reflecting on the previous season, Scholes highlighted that United’s midfield was often too vulnerable, allowing opponents to break through with ease. This weakness, combined with a defense plagued by injuries, left the team exposed. Scholes fears these problems have not been fully addressed, which could undermine United’s performance in the new season.
The former midfielder’s most pointed criticism was directed at Andre Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper brought in to replace David De Gea. Onana’s arrival has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. While some are optimistic about his ability to bring a modern approach to United’s goalkeeping, others, like Scholes, remain skeptical. Scholes admitted that Onana’s performances in pre-season have done little to alleviate his concerns. He is particularly worried about Onana’s public statements regarding his intent to take more risks this season.
Onana is known for his confident, proactive style of play, which involves participating in build-up play and taking on responsibilities beyond traditional goalkeeping. He has reassured fans that he is prepared for the pressures of being Manchester United’s number one and believes that taking risks is essential for success at the highest level. This approach is in line with the evolving role of modern goalkeepers, who are increasingly expected to act as an additional outfield player, contributing to both defense and attack.
However, Scholes remains unconvinced. He worries that Onana’s risk-taking could lead to costly errors, especially in crucial matches where mistakes could be decisive. This concern is heightened by the fact that United’s defense has been unstable due to injuries, leaving the backline less capable of covering for a goalkeeper who might occasionally stray from conventional tactics. The combination of a fragile defense and a high-risk goalkeeper could pose significant challenges for United as they seek to contend for the Premier League title.
As the season opener against Fulham approaches, Scholes’ comments have tempered some of the optimism surrounding United’s prospects. While fans are eager to see a more dynamic and attacking style of play under Erik ten Hag, Scholes’ concerns serve as a reminder that the team still has critical areas to address. The spotlight will be on Onana to prove his skeptics wrong and to quickly adapt to the rigors of Premier League football, where even minor mistakes can have major consequences.
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The coming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United as they aim to solidify their squad and address the weaknesses identified by Scholes. Success in the Premier League requires more than just talent; it demands stability, preparation, and a careful balance between risk and caution. As United strives to reclaim their position at the top of English football, the performance of key players like Onana will be critical to their ambitions. Scholes’ concerns highlight the fine margins that can determine success or failure in the competitive landscape of the Premier League.
