Paul Scholes blasts two Manchester United players after Brighton defeat

Paul Scholes ripped into two of Manchester United’s players after Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten 2-1 by Brighton at Old Trafford. 

The two players on the receiving end of Scholes’ criticism were Scott McTominay and Fred. The midfield duo failed to control the game and was bullied by Graham Potter’s side. 

United found themselves two goals down at half time after Pascal Gross scored twice in ten minutes. 

Red Devils legend Scholes branded their first half performance as ‘shambolic’. 

Scholes told Premier League productions: “It was a shocking start for Man United and the first half was shambolic really. 

“The signs were there right from the first few minutes that this was going to be bad.” 

The former England midfielder then slammed McTominay and Fred. 

He added: “McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.

“I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again, he’s running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous. It could easily have been a red card. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.

“With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.

“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay’s trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.” 

After the game, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment in the result. 

He told Sky Sports: “It is definitely a set back, a real disappointment, but we have to deal with it. I knew from the start that it wouldn't be easy, it's a process and takes time, but we don't have time. We have to win games and we should have done better.

“I analyse it and it was unnecessary. We gave too many easy balls away and the organisation was a big mistake. It was not the way we made it out, we made it clear how to deal with certain situations when we drop in. but that happens, we have to analyse and take the lessons from it.” 

United will now have to dust themselves off and put in a much better performance next weekend when they travel to Brentford.