BREAKING NEWS: “I have no idea why we signed him. Based on that performance, he’s shown he’s just a waste of money. He hasn’t proven to be a better replacement for the player who previously held this position,” said Paul Scholes, voicing his doubts over Manchester United’s decision to sign the £43 million player after their draw against FC Porto.

Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, didn’t hold back in his harsh criticism of the team’s recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, calling them an “uncoached team” and expressing concerns about the direction of the club under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.

Scholes voiced his frustration following United’s disjointed performance, which led to further questions about the club’s management and transfer decisions, notably the acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt.

During the match, Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in just three minutes, setting the tone for United’s struggles. United, already under pressure after a poor start to the 2024/25 season, failed to offer any meaningful attacking threat.

Their situation worsened when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a reckless challenge in the 42nd minute. Down to 10 men, United could not cope, allowing Tottenham to add two more goals through Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, resulting in a heavy defeat.

This loss left Manchester United in a dismal 12th position in the Premier League, an unacceptable standing for a club of its stature. As criticism mounted, Scholes pointed out the lack of a clear game plan under Ten Hag.

He expressed frustration at the team’s inconsistency, highlighting the uncertainty in their approach to matches, whether it was counter-attacking or controlling possession. Scholes contrasted this with Tottenham under their new manager, Ange Postecoglou, who had quickly instilled a clear identity in his team, something United seemed to lack after two years under Ten Hag.

Scholes was equally critical of the players, calling them lifeless and unsure on the pitch, attributing these issues to poor training and preparation. He also questioned the club’s recruitment strategy, particularly the signing of De Ligt. Scholes doubted whether De Ligt was an upgrade over Harry Maguire, despite the hefty £43 million price tag, and suggested the Dutch defender had not improved the team as expected.

In his final remarks, Scholes urged United’s players to stop making excuses and take responsibility for their performances. He emphasized the need for immediate improvement before Ten Hag’s position became unsustainable, reflecting the growing frustration among fans watching the club’s steady decline.