Paul Scholes Critiques Manchester United’s Recruitment Strategy
Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United midfielder, has voiced his strong disapproval regarding the club’s recruitment strategy, specifically regarding their failure to pursue goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the summer transfer window. According to Scholes, neglecting to target Donnarumma, who ultimately joined Manchester City for €30 million (roughly $40.2 million), would amount to a “criminal offence.”
Meanwhile, United made headlines on transfer deadline day by signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, following a summer spree that saw them spend over £200 million on players like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Diego León.
Concerns Over Goalkeeping and Team Performance
Scholes expressed concern that Manchester United’s approach in the transfer market, particularly their decision to prioritize forwards while ignoring the pressing goalkeeping dilemma, could adversely impact their success this season.
“The quality isn’t there in the squad,”
he remarked during an interview with the BBC. He raised questions about the timing of United’s realization that goalkeeper André Onana may not be up to par, particularly after a subpar performance against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Pressure on Manager Ruben Amorim
The pressure is intensifying on manager Ruben Amorim after disappointing results, including an early Cup exit and a defeat in the Manchester derby. Scholes indicated that Amorim’s current tactics are unsustainable and warned that the coach must adapt his strategy or risk losing his position.
“He can’t continue this way,”
Scholes asserted, stressing that change is necessary given the mounting evidence of ineffective results.
Despite the club’s struggles and the mounting criticism, sources have suggested to ESPN that Amorim retains the support of Manchester United’s board, who are willing to give him time to turn the team’s fortunes around. The next challenge for Amorim and his squad comes on September 20, when they face Chelsea at Old Trafford. Following this match, pressure could either mount or alleviate, contingent upon the outcome and performance on the pitch.
