September 1st 2024.
Paul Scholes was visibly worried after witnessing Manchester United's disappointing loss to Liverpool. The former United midfielder shared his concerns for Erik ten Hag's team, who suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals. The game at Old Trafford on Sunday was a nightmare for United, as they struggled to keep up with Liverpool's dominance in the Premier League.
Arne Slot's team took full advantage of multiple mistakes made by the Red Devils, securing a comfortable victory with goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. This result has put immense pressure on Ten Hag, who already had a difficult season last year, before their unexpected FA Cup victory against Manchester City. Speaking after the game, Scholes pointed out the one major issue that should be worrying the Dutchman at this crucial stage of the season.
"The biggest thing I noticed while being on the pitch and observing the players was that Liverpool looked fitter and more athletic," Scholes revealed in an interview with Premier League Productions. "Mainoo took time to get going, Bruno Fernandes seemed sluggish, and Zirkzee clearly needs more game time since he hasn't played much recently."
Scholes also highlighted Ten Hag's tendency to substitute his center-backs in every game this season as a cause for concern. Neither Matthijs de Ligt nor Harry Maguire have been able to complete a full 90 minutes so far this season. "If your center-back is unable to last the entire game, that's a red flag. It tells me that the team is not fit enough from the start," he added. "The back four should always stay on the pitch, unless there's an injury or a tactical change. But to see two center-backs being substituted in every game is worrying. How can they not be fit enough?"
The excuse of the recent Euros and the delayed start to the season may be valid, but Scholes pointed out that Liverpool and other teams also had players participating in the tournament, yet they seem to be performing at their best. He questioned the fitness levels of United's players and whether they are putting in enough work behind the scenes to be at their peak.
After the international break, United will be looking to bounce back and return to winning ways when they face Southampton on the south coast. The fans hope to see a more energetic and fit performance from their team, as they continue to strive for success. Stay updated with the latest Manchester United news, exclusives, and analysis by signing up for our newsletter. Your privacy is important to us and we are committed to protecting it. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
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