Paul Scholes criticized Manchester United’s performance after their disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham, describing the team as “uncoached.” The defeat highlighted the Red Devils’ ongoing struggles at the start of the 2024/25 season, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s cohesion and tactical approach.
The match, played at Old Trafford, began poorly for Manchester United, with Brennan Johnson scoring for Tottenham just three minutes into the game. His early goal seemed to spark the visiting Spurs fans, and it set the tone for the rest of the match. United found themselves on the back foot from the outset, unable to regain control and unable to respond to Tottenham’s early momentum.
As the first half progressed, United’s situation worsened. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s captain and key midfielder, was shown a straight red card just before halftime after a reckless challenge on James Maddison. The sending-off left United with a numerical disadvantage, making their already difficult task even harder. Fernandes’ expulsion further compounded their struggles and added to the sense of disarray around the team.
In the second half, Tottenham capitalized on their advantage. Dejan Kulusevski doubled their lead, and Dominic Solanke added a third to confirm the emphatic victory. United had no answer, and the game ended in a humbling defeat.
Scholes, a Manchester United legend, was particularly critical of the team’s lack of organization and coherence during the match. He questioned the coaching and the tactical preparation that seemed to be lacking, suggesting that the team looked as though they hadn’t been properly coached. His frustration was evident, as the team’s underperformance seemed to stem from a deeper issue beyond individual errors.
Scholes also pointed to the club’s transfer activity, specifically raising doubts about the signing of Matthijs de Ligt. His remarks suggested that while the team had invested in new players, they had failed to address key areas of need, and the defensive frailties on display against Spurs only added fuel to his concerns.
This latest setback was a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done at Manchester United, as they continue to struggle under Erik ten Hag’s management. The defeat against Tottenham has intensified scrutiny on the team’s progress, with many fans and pundits wondering if the current squad is capable of competing at the highest level. The season’s early months have been disappointing, and Scholes’ comments reflect the growing dissatisfaction among former players and supporters alike.
