Manchester United’s recent 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce has stirred up significant conversation, spurred largely by criticism from former United midfielder Paul Scholes. Known for his frank assessments, Scholes directed his criticism at manager Erik ten Hag’s tactical decisions, suggesting that the manager’s lineup choices may be hindering the club’s development.
Following the match at Old Trafford, Scholes voiced his concerns, remarking, “When I say Ten Hag can’t push United forward, I genuinely mean it. Take Mazraoui, for instance, who’s only played a total of nine minutes as an attacking midfielder in a Champions League match back in 2019, but now he’s starting in crucial games. Meanwhile, Amad, a promising young player with over 1,000 minutes in an attacking role at Sunderland and four goals to his name, is left on the sidelines. How can anyone believe this approach will restore United’s glory days? It’s hard to comprehend.”
In the aftermath of the draw, in which United surrendered their lead to an opponent they were largely expected to defeat, Scholes questioned Ten Hag’s decisions around player selection and what he sees as favoritism towards less experienced players. Scholes argued that these choices have led to the neglect of young talent like Amad, casting doubt on the club’s direction.
“This favoritism is holding the club back,” Scholes stated. “How does a player with minimal attacking experience get selected over a young player who has demonstrated his skills? Amad has shown what he can do at Sunderland, yet he’s overlooked for key matches. It’s confusing and suggests a lack of vision for what the team truly needs.”
Scholes’s critique has resonated with fans, who are growing increasingly frustrated with United’s inconsistent performances and Ten Hag’s seemingly rigid player selection. United currently sits third in their Europa League group, with just three points from three games, leaving their advancement to the next round in question. The team’s European struggles reflect a tough domestic season as well, characterized by erratic performances that have raised concerns about Ten Hag’s ability to bring stability.
The draw with Fenerbahce highlights the ongoing issues within the team, which has managed only one win in its last 11 European fixtures. Across all competitions, they’ve won just one of their last seven games, adding to the doubt surrounding Ten Hag’s ability to turn things around.
Scholes’s comments highlight deeper problems within the club, questioning whether Ten Hag can fully leverage the squad’s strengths. With critical Premier League and Europa League matches approaching, United’s season is in a precarious position, and mistakes must be minimized.
As pressure builds, Ten Hag faces closer scrutiny to implement meaningful changes and address the concerns raised by both fans and former players like Scholes. Whether he can shift the team’s direction and rebuild confidence remains uncertain, but the message is clear: United’s current trajectory requires urgent adjustment. Old Trafford, once the heart of the club’s dominance, now feels unsettled, as Ten Hag faces growing demands to deliver results and meet rising expectations.
