Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has publicly questioned the club’s recent transfer strategy and raised doubts about the goal-scoring prowess of forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. The former midfielder’s comments come at a time when United is grappling with their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, intensifying the scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s recruitment policy.
On a chilly Tuesday evening in Manchester, as fans gathered outside Old Trafford to discuss the team’s recent woes, Paul Scholes’ words echoed through the football community. Speaking to SuperSport on October 10, 2024, the United legend didn’t mince his words when assessing the current state of affairs at his former club.
In forward areas especially, I just don’t think the quality is there,” Scholes declared, his voice tinged with frustration. We go back to the most successful teams, they’re capable of scoring goals. What have we scored? Five goals in seven games.”
Scholes’ concerns about United’s attacking prowess are not unfounded. The team’s tally of just five goals in seven Premier League matches paints a grim picture of their offensive capabilities. This stark contrast to United’s glory days, when multiple forwards could be relied upon for 20 goals a season, has left fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s current strategy.
Local fan Sarah Thompson, 42, echoed Scholes’ sentiments: “It’s painful to watch. We used to fear no one, but now it feels like we can barely string two passes together in the final third.”
Scholes reserved particular skepticism for summer signings Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. “Hojlund does alright but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so,” the United legend opined. “Zirkzee… what is he? Is he a No.9 or a No.10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so.”
This assessment has sparked debate among supporters, with some defending the young forwards’ potential. United fan club president Tom Harris argued, “They’re young lads with immense potential. We need to give them time to adapt to the Premier League.”
Perhaps the most damning aspect of Scholes’ critique was his assessment of United’s overall transfer strategy. With the club having spent over £600 million ($785m) on players since Erik ten Hag’s appointment in the summer of 2022, the lack of tangible improvement on the pitch has become a sore point for many.
It’s a ridiculous amount of money and some of them can’t get in the team!” Scholes exclaimed, pointing to high-profile signings like Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs De Ligt who have struggled for regular playing time.
In a twist that has puzzled many, Scholes highlighted the curious case of Jonny Evans. The 36-year-old defender, who returned to United this summer, has found himself preferred over expensive acquisitions in recent matches.
“Jonny Evans has come in at 36 years old instead of him [De Ligt],” Scholes noted, raising questions about ten Hag’s selection policy and the club’s long-term planning.
As Manchester United prepares to face Brentford at Old Trafford on October 19, the club finds itself at a critical juncture. Sitting 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games, the pressure on Erik ten Hag and his team is mounting.
Football analyst Jane Roberts offered her perspective: “United’s problems run deeper than just the forward line. There seems to be a disconnect between the transfer strategy and on-field performance that needs urgent addressing.”
The coming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United as they seek to turn their season around. With the transfer window closed until January, ten Hag must find a way to maximize the potential of his current squad, including the much-discussed Hojlund and Zirkzee.
As the sun sets on another tumultuous day in Manchester, Paul Scholes’ words linger in the air, a stark reminder of the challenges facing his beloved club. Whether United can prove their doubters wrong and recapture their former glory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – all eyes will be on Old Trafford as this drama unfolds.
