Paul Scholes has finally voiced what many Manchester United supporters have been quietly thinking for some time now—there’s a player within the squad who is eroding the very foundation of the club, and surprisingly, it isn’t André Onana, Alejandro Garnacho, or Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United legend delivered a scathing assessment in the wake of the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, indicating that the true source of Manchester United’s turmoil lies elsewhere. According to Scholes, this particular individual is doing irreparable damage to the team from within and must be offloaded during the summer transfer window if the club is to move forward.
In a candid and fiery post-match interview, Scholes didn’t hold back his frustrations. “It’s obvious now, after today’s performance, that Onana isn’t the root of our problems,” he said. “There’s someone else—someone whose presence on the pitch is undermining everything the team is trying to achieve. This player, more than anyone else, is tearing down the legacy of Manchester United. It’s time for the board to act and remove him before the next season begins.”
Though Scholes stopped short of naming the individual directly, reports from sources close to the club suggest that the finger is being pointed at a high-profile senior player. This particular player has been widely criticized in recent months for delivering consistently poor performances, showing a lack of commitment, and failing to exhibit the leadership expected of someone in his position. Moreover, his attitude on and off the field has reportedly created tension within the squad, with some insiders believing that his continued presence is toxic to the dressing room environment.
Fans and pundits alike have speculated about who Scholes might be referring to, with many narrowing it down to a small group of senior players whose form and influence have been questionable throughout the season. While Onana, Garnacho, and Fernandes have all faced their fair share of scrutiny, Scholes made it clear that the real issue lies elsewhere—someone whose actions, or lack thereof, have been detrimental to the team’s morale, unity, and performance.
As United face yet another disappointing season, Scholes’ comments highlight a growing sense of urgency and frustration among the club’s legends and fanbase. If the team is to rebuild and return to its former glory, tough decisions will need to be made—including possibly cutting ties with a player who, according to Scholes, is actively destroying the club from within.
