Paul Scholes slams Manchester United’s transfer window as ‘criminal’ for missing out on Gianluigi Donnarumma and not addressing key midfield and goalkeeping issues. He questions the club’s priorities, highlighting the need for a dynamic midfielder and a top-class goalkeeper.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on the club's transfer strategy, branding their summer recruitment as 'criminal' following their lackluster start to the season. The Red Devils have struggled to find their rhythm, managing just one win in their opening four Premier League matches. Their woes were further compounded by an early exit from the EFL Cup, falling to a disappointing defeat against League Two side Grimsby Town.
The most recent setback came at the hands of local rivals Manchester City, who comfortably dispatched United with a 3-0 victory. Notably, Gianluigi Donnarumma made his debut for City in that match, putting in an assured performance between the posts. This has further fueled the criticism aimed at United's recruitment policy, particularly their decision not to pursue the Italian international.
Manchester United were reportedly linked with Donnarumma as a potential replacement for Andre Onana, who eventually secured a loan move to Trabzonspor. However, instead of landing the experienced Italian, United opted to sign young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. This decision has been heavily scrutinized, especially in light of Donnarumma's impressive debut for Manchester City.
In the Manchester derby, Donnarumma showcased his shot-stopping ability, denying Bryan Mbeumo with a remarkable save and securing a clean sheet in his first Premier League appearance. His performance served as a stark reminder of what United could have had, further intensifying the criticism surrounding their transfer decisions.
Gianluigi Donnarumma. pic.twitter.com/Ak0MCUWKAb
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025
While Ruben Amorim's attacking options have been significantly strengthened with the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo, Scholes believes that United's priorities were misplaced. He argues that the club should have prioritized the acquisition of a dynamic central midfielder and a top-class goalkeeper like Donnarumma.
"I don't think the quality is there [in midfield]," Scholes told BBC Sport. "Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], [Kobbie] Mainoo… whatever combination he tries [in midfield] doesn't seem to work. That's a big issue. I thought all summer the absolute priority was a central midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game."
Scholes also questioned the decision to overlook the goalkeeping position, stating, "Goalkeeper was a major issue. Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realize Onana is not good enough?"
The former United midfielder was particularly critical of the club's failure to pursue Donnarumma, claiming, "If Manchester United were not in the market for Gianluigi Donnarumma when he became available, that is a criminal offence."
Scholes further suggested that the club's focus on bolstering their attacking options was excessive, adding, "The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I'm not sure it did."
Manchester United are scheduled to face Chelsea in their next match, aiming to bounce back after missing out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season. The pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag to turn things around and address the glaring issues within the squad.
The Red Devils' summer transfer activity included bringing in Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana. While these players were expected to strengthen the squad, they have not yet made the desired impact. The team's struggles in midfield and the perceived lack of quality in the goalkeeping department have been major contributing factors to their poor performances.
The criticism from Scholes highlights the growing concerns among fans and pundits about the direction of the club. With a challenging season ahead, Manchester United need to find solutions quickly and address the deficiencies in their squad if they are to compete for major honors. The upcoming match against Chelsea will be a crucial test of their resolve and a chance to prove that they can overcome their current struggles.
The Manchester United hierarchy will be under pressure to back Erik ten Hag in the upcoming transfer windows to ensure that the squad is equipped to challenge for major honors. Whether they will heed the warning signs and address the glaring issues in midfield and goalkeeping remains to be seen. The success of the season may well hinge on their ability to make the right decisions in the transfer market.