Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes the club’s recruitment during the summer transfer window is to blame for their poor start to the season.
The Red Devils have won just one of their opening four Premier League matches, while they were also knocked out of the EFL Cup in the second round by League Two Grimsby Town.
Their most recent defeat came at the hands of rivals Manchester City, who started Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal for the first time in a routine 3-0 success.
United were linked with a move for the Italy international as a replacement for Andre Onana, who has been loaned to Trabzonspor, but the Red Devils ultimately landed young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Donnarumma saved both of the shots he faced in the Manchester derby, including a great stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo, as he began his Premier League career with a clean sheet.
Ruben Amorim’s attacking department was bolstered heavily this summer following the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.
But Scholes feels their priorities were in the wrong place, saying the club should have moved for a dynamic midfielder and a goalkeeper of Donnarumma's standing.
“I don't think the quality is there [in midfield],” Scholes told BBC Sport.
“Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], [Kobbie] Mainoo... whatever combination he tries [in midfield] doesn't seem to work.
“That's a big issue. I thought all summer the absolute priority was a central midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game.
“Goalkeeper was a major issue. Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realise Onana is not good enough?
“If Manchester United were not in the market for Gianluigi Donnarumma when he became available, that is a criminal offence.
“The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I'm not sure it did.”
United are next in action against Chelsea on Saturday, having missed out on Champions League football for a second straight season.
Vicsammy
0
blaming the coach all the time, we should know something bad is coming when United didn’t sign a cdm, poor management, Glazer would have sell the club to Jasim but they still want to be in power n they 25% to Ratcliffe, Until the club is totally sold we will continue to experience this miserable situation.
momenhuda
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Not only midfield & goalkeeper problem, they sell or lone all thier wingers and buy no one, and thier wing back dont khow how to attack. without winger or wing play. back three also problem, how on earth shaw playing CB. problem is everywere.
ome33
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I'm sure with his miserable footwork he would have conceded more than Altay
I did not see that in the game. His passes were all on point so I was wandering where that claim came from
ANK3430
2
ANK3430
3
Beyipsyz
1
Imagine having Lemmens and altay... the only option in man united... and amorin should stop using Bruno as deep.
Niccdortu
0
Do former players know they are former and not contracted to the club anymore? Like an ex-lover who stalks their ex and always talks about them and compares whoever and what comes into their life with what it was when they wee there. Scholes, Neville, Rooney, Keane all look miserable and bitter. None of their antics contribute positively to the team and one has to ask the question why they bother. Giggs and Beckham did a lot for United but you will never hear them prefecting the club like these clowns. It's beyond boring at this stage. Let them get into management and see we will see how useless they are. Rooney has destroyed teams and I have lost count but he keeps running his mouth instead of staying in shape. He looks ancient while Scholes looks like a tired bloke who is lazy to even speak. Their entitlement is misplaced. It's tiring watching them spew their useless opinions daily.
pezbilosu
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bedrii
Mokeinpst
3
I highly agree with Paul Scholes on this. Manchester United was to compete with City for his signature. Donnarumma would've improved the team defensively
nesacinotu
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why man. united hierarchy still keeping Ruben Amorim i forsee that there will be no improvement sack him quickly before it's too late it's high time to remove him
foabdeprty
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I'm sure with his miserable footwork he would have conceded more than Altay
so u stick with average goal keepers
siwcklouyz
1
I'm sure with his miserable footwork he would have conceded more than Altay
Ranarsu
0
A team that finished number 15 then it buys three to four players then selling five surely you don’t have to be a genius to know what is coming the owners are the biggest problem for this club
vezabdekr
0
Cut the fuck off...it is guys or idiotic pundits like you who keep ruining the team. You put useless pressure on players through external sources...surprising to see all the players who have left United are doing well. Even goalkeepers too. Who do you blame next?
Nonbdlotu
3
I enjoyed MU losing unfortunately. 🤪