Paul Scholes has picked out Manchester United’s biggest problem after their defeat by arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Red Devils were second best from start to finish as Liverpool came away 3-0 winners thanks to Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah’s goals.
On the back of the defeat, manager Erik ten Hag was heavily criticised by fans and his future is again in the spotlight with odds slashed over a possible sacking.
Speaking on Premier League Productions after the match, former England and United midfielder Scholes picked out one big problem with the current team.
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He said: “It was a difficult afternoon, but they have to realise what they are playing against. We know United have work to do. The centre of the pitch is a big problem. I thought Liverpool were miles ahead of them.
“The biggest thing I noticed from being pitchside and looking at the players is Liverpool looked fitter and more athletic. [Kobbie] Mainoo took time to get going; Bruno Fernandes looked sluggish; [Joshua] Zirkzee needs game time as he hasn’t played.
“That was the big thing that struck me. We’re only early in the season but they are things that worry me – are the team working hard enough behind the scenes to be as fit as they should be? They just didn’t look fit enough.”
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Scholes added: “If you have a centre-half who can’t get through a game, that’s a concern. That tells me you’re not fit enough straight from the off. Back fours should always stay on early. You may bring a full-back off here and there but two centre-halves should be there for the full game and it’s been the first three games that they’ve changed it [during the game]. How can a centre-back not be fit enough?
“You have the excuse of the Euros and you can say it takes a bit of time to get going but Liverpool had players there as well. Other teams had players there – you don’t see them struggling.”
After the international break, United will return to Premier League action with a match against newly promoted Southampton.
Topics: Paul Scholes, Manchester United, Liverpool, Erik Ten Hag, Football
Marcus Chan