BREAKING NEWS:”This is the issue they need to address if they want to win the league this season. It’s their only problem at the moment. We had similar issues under Alex Ferguson, but we managed to resolve them.”

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has openly discussed the club’s biggest issue following their crushing 3-0 loss to Liverpool. In a match where United were thoroughly outplayed, Liverpool secured a commanding win through goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.

The defeat has raised concerns among fans and led to intense criticism of manager Erik ten Hag. With betting odds on his potential sacking dropping significantly, questions about his job security have resurfaced.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Scholes didn’t hold back in his criticism. He identified United’s midfield as a significant weakness, noting that Liverpool’s players were far superior in fitness and athleticism, particularly in the middle of the park. According to Scholes, this played a key role in Liverpool’s dominance. He also highlighted several United players who struggled to match Liverpool’s intensity.

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, for instance, took too long to adjust to the pace of the game, while Bruno Fernandes, typically one of United’s standout performers, appeared off the pace. Joshua Zirkzee, a new addition to the squad, lacked sharpness due to limited playing time, further compounding United’s fitness issues.

Scholes went on to express his concern over the situation with United’s center-backs. He pointed out that frequent substitutions of central defenders early in the season indicate a worrying lack of fitness.

In his view, central defenders should be able to complete the full 90 minutes, especially in the opening games of the campaign when fitness levels should be at their peak. Scholes suggested that the constant changes in United’s defense were a clear sign that the players were not adequately prepared for the demands of the Premier League.

He also dismissed any potential excuses related to player fatigue from international tournaments, such as the Euros, noting that many top clubs, including Liverpool, had players involved but were not facing the same fitness issues. This, according to Scholes, further highlights a deeper problem with how United are preparing for matches.

Scholes’ critique of United comes at a time when ten Hag is under increasing pressure to turn things around. With the international break offering a brief respite, United will need to reflect and regroup before their next match against Southampton, which will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome these early-season struggles.