Paul Scholes criticizes Manchester United’s transfer policy, stating a lack of quality is hindering manager Ruben Amorim. Despite significant spending, the team’s performance hasn’t improved, raising concerns about the club’s direction.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has voiced strong concerns over the club’s recent transfer strategy, arguing a lack of “quality” is hindering manager Ruben Amorim’s attempts to implement his preferred 3-4-3 system. The Red Devils have endured a disappointing start to the season, accumulating just four points from their opening four Premier League matches – their worst beginning to a league campaign since the 1992-93 season.
Internal analysis at Old Trafford suggested that prioritizing investment in forward positions would yield the greatest improvement. However, despite a significant outlay of £200 million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, United have managed to score only four Premier League goals, two of which were own goals by opposing teams. This stark contrast between investment and results has fueled criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Despite the growing unease surrounding Amorim, exacerbated by a 3-0 derby defeat against Manchester City, senior club officials remain steadfast in their support of the Portuguese manager. They maintain a long-term perspective, believing that Amorim is the right man to restore the club’s fortunes and are hesitant to react impulsively to short-term setbacks.
Scholes, however, fears the issues run deeper than mere tactical adjustments. “I don’t think the quality is there,” he stated on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club. “Whatever two out of the four or five they have got in midfield – Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], [Kobbie] Mainoo – whatever combination he seems to try doesn’t seem to work. That’s a big issue.”
He continued, emphasizing the need for a dynamic midfielder: “I thought all summer, the absolute priority was a centre-midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game.” Scholes also questioned the club’s decision-making regarding the goalkeeper position, wondering if they waited too long to address the perceived shortcomings of Andre Onana. “Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realise [Andre] Onana is not good enough?” he asked.
Scholes believes a missed opportunity occurred with Gianluigi Donnarumma, stating, “If Manchester United were not in the market for Gianluigi Donnarumma when he became available, that is a criminal offence.” He further criticized the focus on attacking reinforcements, questioning whether three new forwards were truly necessary.
With a challenging run of fixtures looming – including a visit from Chelsea, a trip to Brentford (where United have conceded eight goals in their last two visits), and matches against Sunderland and Liverpool at Anfield – a swift turnaround in form appears unlikely.
Wayne Rooney, another Manchester United legend, has also expressed concerns, suggesting that the team has “got worse” under Amorim. Scholes echoed this sentiment, stating, “He cannot carry on playing this way, he just can’t. At some point there has to be a moment where he thinks, ‘I have to change something because what I am doing now is not working and I am not getting results’. The proof is there.”
Scholes acknowledged Amorim’s likeable personality but stressed the importance of results. “At this moment in time it isn't good enough. At this moment in time if results don't improve, performances don't really matter that much. He has to win some games or the pressure is going to come on him massively.”
Despite the current struggles, there is optimism surrounding Amorim within the club’s hierarchy. However, reports suggest that João Noronha Lopes, a leading candidate in the upcoming Benfica presidential election, is keen on bringing Amorim back to the Portuguese club, where he enjoyed a successful playing career. Lopes was reportedly in attendance at the Manchester derby alongside Pedro Ferreira and Nuno Gomes, a close friend of Amorim, further fueling speculation about a potential return to Portugal.
Gomes, speaking to Portuguese media, hinted at a future reunion, stating, “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United… But one thing I do know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.”
The situation at Manchester United remains fluid, with pressure mounting on Amorim to deliver results. Scholes’s criticism highlights the growing concerns surrounding the club’s transfer policy and the need for a significant improvement in quality if they are to compete at the highest level.
