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‘Even one of them is too many’ Paul Scholes slams Manchester United pair following Brighton defeat

The former England midfielder didn’t mince his words following the 2-1 loss


Paul Scholes has warned that even having to choose one of Fred and Scott McTominay is too many for new boss Erik ten Hag following their 2-1 opening day defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils fell 2-0 down in the first half and were largely outclassed by a far superior Brighton side, with Graham Potter’s side overrunning the midfield and Danny Welbeck ensuring that the central defenders had a tough day at the office.

And, following the game, former Manchester United star Paul Scholes was quick to point the finger in the direction of the midfield, which has looked as though it has needed changes for five seasons now, but has somehow not been improved upon.

“Scott McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous,” Scholes said on Sky Sports post-match. “The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.”

“The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.

“With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.

“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay is trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.”

Mixed news for Scholes

The good news for Paul Scholes is that soon it may not be Fred and McTominay patrolling the Manchester United engine room. Unfortunately for the former Red Devil, it is not Frenkie de Jong that will be coming through the door, but Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, in a move that has been described by French expert Philip Auclair as ‘incomprehensible’.

The 26-year-old Frenchman is on the verge of agreeing an £18m move to Old Trafford, should personal terms be agreed, and is likely to become one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s teamsheet.

He is unlikely, however, to fix the glaring holes that remain in the Manchester United midfield.

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Ben Browning

Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.


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