Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has never been shy about voicing his opinions on the state of his former club.
Recently, Scholes stirred up controversy with his strong remarks on the signing of Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan midfielder, brought in under Erik ten Hag’s management, has yet to fully convince fans or pundits, and Scholes believes that his signing might not have been the wisest choice.
Speaking to the press, Scholes criticized Ugarte’s style of play and questioned whether he has what it takes to succeed at a club like Manchester United.
“Manuel Ugarte is a bad business. He is not the type of player that will help Manchester United,” Scholes said bluntly.
The former midfielder, who won numerous Premier League titles and Champions League trophies with United, is worried that Ugarte may not possess the qualities needed to thrive in the demanding environment of Old Trafford.
Scholes pointed out that Manchester United needs a player who can emulate the role of Manchester City’s Rodri.
The Spanish midfielder has been instrumental in City’s dominance, consistently performing at a high level in both defensive and offensive phases of the game.
According to Scholes, Rodri’s ability to break up play, dictate tempo, and contribute to the attack is exactly what United should be looking for in a midfielder.
In fact, Scholes has already identified a potential alternative to Ugarte. “We need a player like Rodri, and this boy can do it for us,” Scholes said, without revealing the name of the player at first.
However, sources close to the club later revealed that Scholes was referring to a young midfielder who has been making waves in European football.
The player, whose identity is still under wraps, is said to possess the same calmness, vision, and physicality that Rodri displays in abundance.
This is not the first time Scholes has spoken out about United’s transfer dealings.
His criticism highlights a growing concern among fans and former players alike that the club’s recruitment strategy may not be aligned with the team’s tactical needs under Erik ten Hag.
While Ugarte’s signing was seen as a move to bolster United’s midfield, the jury is still out on whether he can make the same impact as players like Rodri.
For now, Manchester United fans will have to wait and see if Ugarte can prove his doubters wrong or if Scholes’ prophecy will come true.
Either way, the pressure is on for Erik ten Hag to deliver results in what promises to be a crucial season for the club.
