Manchester United’s shocking 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace has left the club reeling, with fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s performance. The unexpected loss has sparked intense criticism, and club legend Paul Scholes has been particularly vocal in his assessment of the squad. The former midfielder, known for his blunt opinions, has openly criticized one particular player, insisting that he is not fit to wear the famous red shirt. Scholes did not hold back in his remarks, calling for incoming manager Ruben Amorim to drop the underperforming star immediately.
Many assumed that the blame for United’s dismal showing would fall on the club’s newer signings, such as Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Højlund, who are still finding their feet in the Premier League. However, Scholes made it clear that neither of them was the primary issue in this defeat. Instead, his frustration was aimed at a £27 million player who, despite his experience, failed to make any impact on the game. The player in question was so ineffective that he had fewer touches of the ball than the goalkeeper, highlighting his complete lack of influence in a match where United desperately needed inspiration.
Scholes was scathing in his criticism, describing the player as “lazy” and suggesting that his continued presence in the starting XI was costing the team valuable points. According to the former United great, this is not the first time the player has underperformed, and his lack of effort is becoming a recurring issue. Scholes expressed his disappointment, arguing that Manchester United’s standards are far too high to accommodate such displays of mediocrity.
The defeat to Crystal Palace was particularly frustrating for United fans, as it exposed deeper problems within the squad. Despite having a talented roster, the team struggled to break down a well-organized Palace defense, and their attacking play lacked urgency and cohesion. Scholes pointed to the underperforming player as a major reason for United’s struggles, claiming that his lack of energy and involvement left the team playing with effectively one less man.
With Ruben Amorim set to take over as manager, Scholes believes that immediate changes are necessary, starting with the removal of players who are not pulling their weight. He urged the new boss to be ruthless in his decisions, ensuring that only those who show commitment and determination get the chance to represent Manchester United on the pitch.
As the club looks to recover from this setback, Scholes’ words will likely resonate with many fans who have grown frustrated with the team’s inconsistency. The pressure is now on Amorim to make the tough calls needed to steer United back in the right direction.
