"I think it just became a mess" - Paul Scholes was furious with Erik ten Hag's tactics vs Real Sociedad

Paul Scholes was completely baffled by Erik ten Hag's tactical decisions in the second half of Manchester United's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.

Alejandro Garnacho's first half effort was enough to seal victory for United, but they needed a two-goal swing to top Europa League Group E.

United will now face a third-placed Champions League team in a two-legged play-off round in February, which could present tricky ties against Barcelona or Juventus among others.

Ten Hag made a number of changes in the second half to try and get United forward more. He dropped Casemiro back into central defence midway through the second half, before bringing on Harry Maguire as a makeshift centre forward for the closing stages.

United failed to register a shot on target in the second half with many confused by their shape.

Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot weren't allowed to get forward, with second half substitute Marcus Rashford also ineffective through the middle.

Former Red Devils midfielder Scholes was watching along on BT Sport, remarking they looked a 'mess' at points.

"The second half looked a bit messy, there was no plan," Scholes admitted. "The plan was to launch it forward to look for second balls - it was a little bit League One, League Two-ish for me. Maybe a little bit disrespectful.

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"I wasn't really sure what he was trying to do. It started with the [Victor] Lindelof substitution. They were in complete control until he went off. Casemiro went to the back, then Marcus came on for [Donny] van de Beek in the number 10 role. It's not his position, he needs to be on the shoulder of people.

"Rashford needs to be out wide, he needs to be in space. It just became a long ball game – and I'm all for that, it can work – but the second half just became a complete mess having been in control in the first half."

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Scholes went on to add Bruno Fernandes would've offered more balance in midfield. The Portugal international started the game out wide due to United's injury list at the moment.

Antony Martial and Antony were missing from the squad through injury, while Jadon Sancho was ill.

United return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday, knowing victory and results elsewhere could see them enter the top four.