Paul Scholes has pinpointed where Manchester United are going wrong with team selections in most matches, and we really don’t think many fans will be in disagreement with it.
The former United midfielder, who came through the academy to achieve incredible success, thinks United’s lack of balance in midfield could cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the Premier League title in a season the manager will be looking to show process – three years in.
United have registered 14 points from a possible 21 in the Premier League but the manager has received lots of criticism in previous months for setting up with two holding midfielders in his preferred formation.
The defeat to Aston Villa and the 1-1 draw with Everton at Old Trafford last Sunday encouraged Scholes to speak out about it on the Webby and O’Neill show.
Watch the interview with Scholes below:
“You mention McTominay, I think he’s the best one for that role out of the four of them, I’d definitely go for him,” Scholes said, as quoted by the Metro.
“I think he’s got everything, he’s athletic, he can get around the pitch, he’s got great ability as well. He’s capable of sitting in that position.
“Ole doesn’t seem to be able to get the balance right in that team. Is he going to play that one with the rest around him, and have Pogba next to him who he probably doesn’t trust defensively? Or is he going to play two holding midfield players.
“That’s the difference between United and I think Liverpool and City – they are much more aggressive, more attack-minded.
“You think of City going away to Chelsea, they play one holding midfield player and almost play six or seven forward players – that’s the difference in mentality.
“I think if Ole can get that right with that balance in the team… going forward I don’t think is a problem. Going forward we’ve got so many exciting players with Cristiano coming.”
You’d have to say the football to date this season has been underwhelming.
We signed sheer quality in the summer and the performances haven’t improved, and if one midfielder was to sit in our midfield my choice would be McTominay over Nemanja Matic.
Something needs to change and the next few fixtures are going to be a real challenge.
We’re up against it – but that is a constant pressure as Manchester United manager.
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