“I don’t know why we signed him. With such a performance, he has proved that he’s just wasted funds.

“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 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 disappointing start to the 2024/25 season took another turn for the worse with a resounding 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The loss, played out at Old Trafford, sparked a wave of criticism, with club legend Paul Scholes offering a particularly scathing assessment of the team’s performance and recent transfer activity.

Scholes didn’t mince his words, describing Manchester United as an “uncoached team” in his post-match analysis on SuperSport. The former midfielder highlighted the lack of a clear playing style or tactical identity, suggesting that the team appeared disorganized and unsure of their roles.

The match itself was a difficult watch for Manchester United supporters. Brennan Johnson’s early goal, just three minutes into the game, injected energy into the visiting Tottenham side and immediately put the home team on the back foot.

The situation worsened for United in the 42nd minute when Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on James Maddison. This dismissal left Manchester United with ten men and facing an uphill battle against a confident Tottenham side.

The second half saw Tottenham capitalize on their numerical advantage, with goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the visitors. The defeat compounded Manchester United’s woes and further intensified the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

The result left Manchester United languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table, a position far below the expectations and ambitions of the club. The pressure on Ten Hag to deliver results is mounting, with the upcoming match against Aston Villa becoming a crucial fixture for the manager’s future.

Scholes’s criticism extended beyond the team’s performance on the pitch. He questioned the club’s recent recruitment strategy, specifically targeting the £43 million summer signing of Matthijs de Ligt.

Scholes argued that De Ligt has not proven to be an upgrade on Harry Maguire, who has seen limited playing time this season, making only two league starts. This assessment raises questions about the value and effectiveness of Manchester United’s recent transfer dealings.

“You can’t tell how they will play,” Scholes stated on SuperSport, emphasizing the lack of a discernible tactical approach. “It’s unclear if they’ll counter-attack, sit deep, or try to dominate possession. They look like an uncoached team.”

Scholes drew a stark contrast between Manchester United and Tottenham, highlighting the clarity of Tottenham’s playing style under Ange Postecoglou. “After two years, we could see how Tottenham was going to play from the first week under Ange Postecoglou, and they’re still following that plan,” Scholes observed.

He further elaborated on Manchester United’s struggles, stating, “We’re over two years into this [at United], and as I mentioned, it feels like an uncoached team.” This pointed criticism suggests that Scholes believes the team lacks proper direction and coaching.

Scholes also commented on the players’ demeanor during the match. “The players appeared lifeless today; they looked flat and uncertain, lacking enthusiasm for the game,” he noted. “That kind of energy must come from training.” This suggests that Scholes believes the issues extend beyond tactics and into the team’s overall morale and preparation.

Scholes was particularly critical of the team’s defensive organization. “Some of the positions the players occupy on the pitch are just chaotic at times,” he stated. This lack of organization contributed significantly to Tottenham’s ability to create scoring opportunities.

Regarding the signing of De Ligt, Scholes stated, “When you bring in new players, you expect them to be significantly better than those already on the team. I don’t see any players coming in who make a substantial difference.”

When directly asked if De Ligt represents a £50 million upgrade over Maguire, Scholes responded emphatically, “No, definitely not.” This blunt assessment underscores his disappointment with the player’s performances.

Scholes concluded his analysis with a call to action for the Manchester United players. “These are seasoned players who have cost United a significant amount,” he said. “We need to move past the excuses and get onto the training pitch to establish a way of playing. Find something, show us something!” This impassioned plea reflects the growing frustration among Manchester United supporters and the urgent need for the team to improve its performances.