Paul Scholes delivered a sharp critique of Manchester United’s current struggles following their disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham, describing the team as disjointed and lacking a clear tactical identity. The defeat, which compounded United’s poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, saw Brennan Johnson open the scoring within three minutes, with second-half goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sealing the win for Spurs. United’s woes were further exacerbated when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a reckless challenge on James Maddison in the 42nd minute. The result left Erik ten Hag’s side languishing in 12th place, with increasing scrutiny on the manager ahead of their crucial clash against Aston Villa.
Speaking on SuperSport, Scholes expressed his frustration, noting that after two years under Ten Hag, United still lack a defined style of play. “You can’t tell how they’ll approach games,” he said. “It’s unclear if they’re trying to counter-attack, sit deep, or dominate possession. They look like an uncoached team.” Scholes contrasted United’s situation with Tottenham’s transformation under Ange Postecoglou, pointing out how Spurs had established a clear identity from the outset of the Australian manager’s tenure. “Tottenham’s style was evident from week one under Postecoglou, and they’ve stuck to it. Meanwhile, United remain inconsistent and chaotic,” he remarked.
Scholes criticized the players’ energy and positioning, describing the team’s performance as “lifeless” and “flat.” He stressed that enthusiasm and structure must stem from effective training sessions. “The players looked uncertain and lacked the energy required at this level. Their positioning on the pitch often seems chaotic, which reflects poorly on their preparation,” he added.
The former United midfielder also took aim at the club’s recruitment strategy, questioning the summer signing of Matthijs de Ligt for £43 million. Scholes argued that the Dutch defender is not an upgrade on Harry Maguire, who has seen limited playing time this season. “When you bring in new players, they need to significantly improve the squad. De Ligt hasn’t done that. Is he a £50 million upgrade on Maguire? No, definitely not,” Scholes asserted.
Scholes urged the squad to stop making excuses and focus on improving results, warning that Ten Hag’s position could become untenable if the current form persists. “These are experienced players who cost the club a lot of money. They need to show something on the pitch. Get onto the training ground, find a system, and stick to it. The excuses need to stop,” he concluded.
His comments underscore growing concerns among fans and pundits about United’s lack of direction, with pressure mounting on both the players and the manager to turn their season around.
