‘Criminal Offence’ — Paul Scholes Slams Manchester United’s Transfer Blunders

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on the club’s summer transfer strategy, labeling their failure to sign a dominant central midfielder as “criminal.” His former teammate, Rio Ferdinand, echoed the concerns, offering a bleak prediction for United’s Premier League finish this season.

Midfield Muddle: A “Big Issue” for United

Following United’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, which marked their joint-worst start to a Premier League season, Scholes didn’t hold back. Speaking on Football Daily, the iconic midfielder criticized the quality and balance of United’s current midfield options.

“I don’t think the quality is there,” Scholes stated. “Whatever two out of the four or five they have got in [midfield]—Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], [Kobbie] Mainoo—whatever combination he seems to try doesn’t seem to work. That’s a big issue.”

Scholes emphasized that a dynamic central midfielder should have been the club’s top priority. “I thought all summer the absolute priority was a centre midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game,” he asserted, highlighting a fundamental flaw in the team’s construction.

Goalkeeper Blunder and Forward Overload

Beyond the midfield, Scholes also questioned the club’s decision-making regarding the goalkeeper position and their aggressive pursuit of multiple forwards.

“Goalkeeper was [also] a major issue,” Scholes continued. “Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realise [André] Onana is not good enough? If Manchester United were not in the market for Gianluigi Donnarumma when he became available, that is a criminal offence.”

He further added, “The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I’m not sure it did.” This suggests a perceived imbalance in United’s transfer strategy, prioritizing attack over crucial defensive and midfield reinforcements.

Ferdinand’s “Depressing” Assessment and Bleak Prediction

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand echoed Scholes’s frustrations, describing the Manchester derby as “depressing.” While Scholes focused on the midfield, Ferdinand expressed deep concern over the defensive vulnerabilities.

“Defensively, I thought that was the most concerning thing,” Ferdinand revealed on his podcast. “I’ve been quite complimentary about the defenders and the way we’ve defended it at times this season, but [during the match], I thought it was like a hot knife through butter. It was too easy.”

He continued, “The way we allowed them to get in and get goals and get opportunities—it was weak, it was powderpuff, it just lacked anything.”

Ferdinand’s grim outlook extended to United’s prospects for the season. “If I sit here now and you ask me, ‘Where will Man Utd finish?’, I would say probably sixth or seventh, I would be happy with it this season,” he concluded. “That’s looking like a long shot at this moment in time.”

These stark assessments from two of Manchester United’s most decorated players highlight the growing concerns surrounding the club’s direction and performance. The pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and the board will undoubtedly intensify as the season progresses, especially with such candid criticism from club legends. For more insights into Manchester United’s transfer dealings and historical context, you can refer to authoritative sources like Manchester United’s official transfer news.