Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has cast doubt on the club’s recent transfer decisions, suggesting that former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy should have been consulted in the process. This critique comes as the Red Devils prepare for a crucial Europa League clash against FC Porto, with their current crop of forwards under intense scrutiny.
Manchester United’s attacking reinforcements have been a topic of heated debate among fans and pundits alike. The signings of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna ahead of the 2024/25 season were meant to bolster the team’s frontline. However, their performances have left much to be desired.
Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund, now 21, experienced a challenging start to his Old Trafford career. After a slow beginning, he found his footing midway through his debut season, eventually netting 16 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions.
It was a tough adjustment period for Hojlund,” explains United fan and season ticket holder Sarah Thompson. “We saw glimpses of his potential, but consistency was an issue. That mid-season purple patch gave us hope, though.”
This season, Hojlund’s progress was initially hampered by injury. However, he has recently returned to action, featuring in United’s last three matches. The Old Trafford faithful are eagerly anticipating whether he can build on last season’s promising finish.
In contrast, Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career began with a bang. The Dutch striker, signed amidst much fanfare, scored on his debut against Fulham on August 17, 2024, sending the Theatre of Dreams into raptures.
However, the euphoria was short-lived. Zirkzee has since experienced a concerning dry spell, failing to find the back of the net in his last seven appearances. This goal drought has raised questions about the wisdom of his acquisition and United’s overall recruitment strategy.
It’s against this backdrop that Paul Scholes, speaking to the Mirror on October 1, 2024, voiced his concerns about the club’s transfer policy. The midfield maestro suggested that current assistant manager and prolific former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy should have been more involved in the decision-making process.
Coaches are control freaks, they want to do everything,” Scholes remarked. “If you were Ruud watching that, he is maybe thinking, ‘I will take a back seat, I don’t want to get involved in that.’ He also has to be involved in the recruitment side of it, signing a centre forward. Or two centre forwards.”
Scholes went on to question whether Van Nistelrooy would have endorsed the signings of Zirkzee and Hojlund. I am not sure he would have picked Zirkzee. I am not sure he would have picked Hojlund,” the former England midfielder stated. “Look, there is probably not a plethora of centre forwards out there, but you would go consult him, wouldn’t you?”
Scholes’ comments have reignited the debate surrounding Manchester United’s transfer strategy under manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman, who took the reins at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, has overseen a significant overhaul of the squad, with mixed results.
Football analyst James Richardson offers his perspective: “Ten Hag’s recruitment has been hit and miss. While some signings have impressed, the striker position remains a concern. Scholes’ point about consulting club legends like Van Nistelrooy is valid – their expertise could be invaluable in identifying the right players for United’s style and ethos.”
As the debate rages on, Manchester United faces an immediate challenge in the form of FC Porto in the Europa League. The match, scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time at the Estádio do Dragão, presents an opportunity for United’s strikers to silence their critics.
Ten Hag, speaking at the pre-match press conference, remained focused on the task at hand: “We’re aware of the discussions surrounding our forwards, but our focus is on Porto. It’s a crucial match, and we need all our players, including Hojlund and Zirkzee, to be at their best.”
As Manchester United navigates through this challenging period, the performances of Hojlund and Zirkzee will be under intense scrutiny. The coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the club’s faith in these young strikers will be vindicated or if Scholes’ criticisms will gain further traction.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Ten Hag and the United hierarchy face crucial decisions. Will they stand by their current options, or will they heed Scholes’ advice and seek input from club legends like Van Nistelrooy in shaping their attacking future?
As the Red Devils prepare to face Porto, one thing is clear: the spotlight on Manchester United’s striking options has never been brighter. The performance of Hojlund and Zirkzee in this crucial European fixture could go a long way in shaping the narrative around United’s transfer strategy and their prospects for the season ahead.
