Manchester United’s recent clash with West Ham may have ended in a vital win, but the performance itself has sparked more debate than celebration.
Former club legend Paul Scholes has been vocal in his assessment, pointing out that while the result looks positive on paper, the flaws exposed during the match cannot be ignored.
His comments serve as a sobering reminder that the road to rebuilding United into a dominant force is far from complete.
The 3–2 scoreline at Old Trafford flattered United, masking deeper problems beneath the surface. Scholes, known for his straightforward and often brutally honest analysis, dissected the display with the precision of someone who understands the standards the club once upheld.
He began by highlighting the lack of cohesion in midfield, noting that despite having technically gifted players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro, the unit still operates in fragments rather than as a collective.
West Ham repeatedly exploited gaps between the lines, with simple forward passes bypassing the midfield and exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
Another major concern Scholes underscored was the defensive instability. Even in victory, United’s backline looked fragile.
West Ham’s goals weren’t the product of genius attacking play but rather the consequence of basic errors, miscommunication, and poor positioning.
With key defenders like Raphaël Varane sidelined and Lisandro Martínez still regaining fitness, the constant rotation has prevented any chemistry from developing, leaving United looking disorganized under pressure.
Perhaps the harshest critique was aimed at new manager Rúben Amorim. Scholes admitted that while there are early signs of progress notably in ball retention and attacking intent the team still lacks a clear tactical identity.
The inconsistency between pressing high and sitting deep created confusion, while the attacking trio frequently seemed disconnected from the rest of the squad.
Scholes compared this to the clarity seen in title-contending sides such as Manchester City and Arsenal, who operate with a distinct and automated style of play.
Scholes also warned against United’s growing dependence on moments of individual brilliance. Against West Ham, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund were decisive, but Scholes cautioned that relying on such flashes of quality is unsustainable against top-tier, well-organized opponents.
For United to truly compete, the system must function as a collective rather than leaning on a few standout performances.
While acknowledging the positives of the win, Scholes framed it as a temporary relief rather than a turning point.
His “fair play to them” remark encapsulated the sentiment: the result is welcome, but performances like this won’t restore United to their former glory.
For Amorim, the message is clear — build structure, define a tactical identity, and transform individual brilliance into a cohesive, disciplined unit before the cracks widen further.
