BREAKING NEWS: “I don’t know why we signed him. With such a performance, he has proved that he’s just wasted funds. He has not become a better replacement for the player formerly this position” – Paul Scholes expresses doubts about Manchester United’s decision to sign the £43 million player following their defeat to Tottenham.

Following Manchester United’s disheartening 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, club legend Paul Scholes offered a scathing critique of the team’s performance and recent transfer decisions. Scholes described United as appearing “uncoached” and specifically questioned the acquisition of defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The match at Old Trafford saw the Red Devils concede early, with Brennan Johnson netting for Spurs just three minutes in, igniting the visiting fans. The situation worsened when Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card in the 42nd minute for a reckless challenge on James Maddison. In the second half, goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke solidified Tottenham’s victory.

This loss leaves Manchester United positioned 12th in the Premier League standings, intensifying the scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of their upcoming fixture against Aston Villa.

Analyzing the team’s current state on SuperSport, Scholes remarked: “You don’t know how they’re going to play. They look like an uncoached football team.” He emphasized the lack of a clear strategy, noting the team’s unpredictability in their approach to games. Scholes contrasted this with Tottenham’s evident game plan under Ange Postecoglou, highlighting that even early in Postecoglou’s tenure, Spurs’ style was discernible and remains consistent. In contrast, United, more than two years into ten Hag’s leadership, still lack a defined identity.

Scholes also criticized the players’ demeanor during the match, describing them as “flat and dead,” and suggested that such lethargy stems from inadequate training. He pointed out the chaotic positioning on the field, attributing it to a lack of proper coaching.

Regarding the club’s transfer strategies, Scholes expressed skepticism, particularly about the £43 million summer signing of Matthijs de Ligt. He questioned whether de Ligt offers any substantial improvement over Harry Maguire, who has been limited to just two league starts this season. Scholes stated, “When you bring players in, you expect them to be a lot better than who you’ve already got. I don’t see players coming in who are a big difference.” When asked if de Ligt represents a £50 million upgrade over Maguire, Scholes responded, “No, absolutely not.”

He urged the team to move beyond excuses and focus on developing a coherent playing style through dedicated training. Scholes’ comments mirror the growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding Manchester United’s ambiguous direction under ten Hag. The comparison to Tottenham’s clear and effective style under Postecoglou underscores the disparity in coaching effectiveness.

The critique of de Ligt’s signing raises concerns about United’s recruitment policies. If a high-cost acquisition doesn’t markedly enhance the squad, it prompts questions about the club’s strategic planning in the transfer market. With the team’s ongoing struggles and mounting pressure on ten Hag, the path to revitalizing Manchester United remains uncertain.