Paul Scholes reveals the ‘big issue’ in Man United’s recent form

Scholes Warns Man Utd of Big Issue in Transfer Strategy

Manchester United find themselves in familiar territory, facing questions about identity, recruitment, and tactical direction. The club’s worst start to a league season since 1992-93 has intensified scrutiny on manager Ruben Amorim, with Paul Scholes leading a chorus of voices suggesting there are deeper issues at play.

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Scholes Calls Out Recruitment Decisions

Scholes, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, was blunt in his assessment.“I don’t think the quality is there,” he said, referring to United’s current midfield options. “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. I thought all summer the absolute priority was a centre midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game.”

United’s summer recruitment focused on attack, with over £200m spent on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Despite this heavy outlay, they have only scored four goals in their first four games, two of which were own goals. It is a statistic that feeds into Scholes’ view that priorities were misjudged.

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“Goalkeeper was [also] a major issue,” Scholes continued. “Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realise [Andre] 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.”

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His criticism of the transfer strategy centred on what he sees as an over-concentration on forwards. “The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I’m not sure it did.”

Pressure Building on Amorim’s System

Despite the disappointment of a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City and an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby, United’s board remain publicly supportive of Amorim. They are determined to take a long-term approach, believing he is the man to rebuild the club.

Scholes, however, was clear that change is needed.“He cannot carry on playing this way, he just can’t,” said the former midfielder, who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns during his career. “At some point there has to be a moment where he thinks, ‘I have to change something because what I am doing now is not working and I am not getting results’. The proof is there.”

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Wayne Rooney has echoed these concerns, saying his former club have “got worse” under Amorim. The combination of disappointing results and stylistic stubbornness is starting to weigh heavily.

Challenging Run of Fixtures Looms

United’s immediate schedule offers little relief. They host Chelsea next, then travel to Brentford where they have conceded four times on each of their last two visits. Games against Sunderland and Liverpool follow. These fixtures could define whether Amorim’s approach gains traction or if pressure becomes unbearable.

While there is no sign of widespread unrest within the dressing room, reports suggest some players are frustrated with the tactical rigidity. Amorim worked hard over the summer to create a positive environment after last season’s 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, but goodwill could quickly evaporate if results do not improve.

Portuguese Eyes on Amorim’s Future

Amorim’s reputation remains strong outside Manchester. Joao Noronha Lopes, the frontrunner for the Benfica presidential election, is reportedly keen to bring him back to Lisbon, where he made 154 appearances as a player. Lopes attended the Manchester derby alongside Pedro Ferreira and Nuno Gomes, who is a close friend of the United coach.

Speaking to Portuguese media before the trip, Gomes said: “I can’t answer that question. Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United. But one thing I do know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.”

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This external interest could become a subplot if results continue to slide. United’s leadership may insist they are taking a long-term view, but football rarely allows for patience when the club sits in the bottom half of the table.

Big Issue at the Heart of Man Utd’s Struggles

Scholes’ words carry weight not just because of his legendary status, but because they articulate what many supporters are already feeling. The midfield remains unbalanced, the recruitment strategy appears misaligned with tactical needs, and goals remain scarce. The former midfielder has framed the debate: fix the core issues or risk another wasted season.

Whether Amorim adjusts or persists with his system will define United’s season. The next month could prove critical for his tenure, as the pressure from pundits, fans, and perhaps even his own players continues to rise.

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