Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has openly criticized the performance of several current players and indicated that manager Ruben Amorim’s position is precarious. Scholes, known for his candid insights, shared his thoughts during a recent podcast alongside Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness, emphasizing that some players are “not good enough” to compete at the highest level.
The scrutiny on Amorim intensified following a challenging start to the season, with the team currently sitting tenth in the Premier League after suffering three losses in their first seven matches. The situation worsened recently with a disappointing defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. While United managed a 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break, speculation about Amorim’s future looms large, particularly with a crucial match against Liverpool on the horizon.
Scholes pointed out a critical issue he believes has plagued the club since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson: poor recruitment. He specifically mentioned the hefty price tag associated with the signing of Casemiro, questioning the wisdom behind such investments. “We got sucked into that one, and there’s been quite a few like that,” he remarked in an interview with The Times. Butt chimed in, reflecting on the rarity of Real Madrid letting go of their top players to a rival club like Manchester United.
In assessing the squad’s overall fitness, Scholes singled out Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, declaring that they are “no longer physically good enough” for the Premier League. He elaborated on the intense demands of the league, stating, “Their bodies are not athletic enough, they’re not strong enough, they’re not quick enough.” He believes Manchester United is currently carrying a few players who cannot keep pace with the competition.
Both pundits expressed their views on Amorim’s future, with Scholes indicating that the current results might lead to his dismissal. “If you don’t win games, you [Amorim] will lose your job,” Scholes said, adding urgency to the situation. Butt echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the manager’s emphasis on a particular system has limited his chances of achieving positive results.
Despite the challenges ahead, there remains a glimmer of hope for United as they work towards correcting their course. Positive outcomes in upcoming matches could shift the narrative and provide a foundation for a turnaround, ensuring the club can aim for better days in the Premier League.