“I don’t know why we signed him. With such a performance, he has proved that he’s just wasted funds. He has not become a better replacement for the player formerly in this position” – Paul Scholes expresses doubts about Manchester United’s decision to sign the £43 million player following their defeat to Tottenham.

Manchester United’s season hit a new low after their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The loss has ignited a flurry of criticism, with former United midfielder Paul Scholes openly questioning the club’s decision to sign Matthijs de Ligt for £43 million.

Brennan Johnson’s early goal set the tone for a dismal evening for the Red Devils. Tottenham’s relentless attack, coupled with Manchester United’s defensive lapses, ensured a forgettable outing for Erik ten Hag’s side. The situation worsened when captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a reckless challenge, leaving the hosts with ten men. Spurs capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke adding to United’s misery.

Scholes did not hold back in his post-match analysis on SuperSport. “They look like an uncoached team,” he said. “It’s hard to tell what their game plan is. Are they trying to counter-attack? Sit deep? Dominate possession? It’s a mess.”

The former United midfielder praised Tottenham’s organization under Ange Postecoglou, contrasting it sharply with United’s struggles. “We’ve seen Tottenham’s identity from week one under Postecoglou. It’s clear, and they’re sticking to it. What is United’s plan after over two years with Ten Hag?”

One of Scholes’ main targets was the club’s summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender, brought in to solidify United’s backline, has struggled to justify his hefty price tag. Scholes questioned whether De Ligt was an upgrade over Harry Maguire, who has been largely sidelined this season.

“When you sign players for that kind of money, you expect them to elevate the team,” Scholes remarked. “De Ligt hasn’t done that. Is he a £50 million improvement over Maguire? Absolutely not.”

Scholes also pointed to the lack of energy and enthusiasm among the players. “They looked lifeless and flat. That kind of energy has to come from the training ground. Some of the positions the players take up on the pitch are chaotic.”

The criticism did not stop with De Ligt. Scholes took aim at United’s broader recruitment strategy, arguing that the club has failed to bring in players capable of making a real difference. “We’re not signing game-changers. The players we’re bringing in don’t seem to be an improvement over what we already have.”

Adding to the voices of dissent, former Manchester United player Danny Simpson criticized De Ligt’s role in the goals conceded against Spurs. Speaking to MUTV, Simpson described the defender’s positioning as “criminal,” arguing that his errors directly contributed to Tottenham’s second and third goals.

“What was he doing out of position? He’s supposed to be a leader at the back, yet his mistakes cost us. For a defender of his caliber and experience, that’s unacceptable,” Simpson said.

United’s defeat has left them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League, far below the expectations for a club of their stature. The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to turn things around quickly, with Aston Villa awaiting them in their next fixture.

Scholes urged the players to take responsibility and focus on the basics. “These are experienced players who have cost the club a fortune. It’s time to stop making excuses. Get back on the training pitch and find a system that works.”

Despite his criticism, Scholes acknowledged that the blame doesn’t rest solely on the players. “This is a collective failure. From recruitment to coaching to execution on the pitch, the entire structure needs a rethink.”

The defeat to Tottenham has brought Manchester United’s weaknesses into sharp focus. Their lack of cohesion, poor recruitment, and tactical inconsistency have left fans and pundits questioning the club’s direction under Ten Hag.

For De Ligt, the scrutiny will only intensify as he continues to search for form. With Maguire waiting in the wings, the Dutchman will need to prove his worth quickly or risk being labeled one of United’s most expensive mistakes.

As the pressure builds, the next few weeks could be crucial for Manchester United. A win against Aston Villa may ease the tension, but anything less could see the calls for change grow louder.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Ten Hag, De Ligt, and a team that looks increasingly adrift. Will they rise to the challenge, or is this the beginning of another long, painful chapter in Manchester United’s storied history? Only time will tell.