Paul Scholes has voiced his concerns regarding Manchester United's title aspirations, insisting that a change in defence is crucial for any chance at silverware. Following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Tottenham, the club stalwart took aim at both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
In the match, which saw Michael Carrick's side draw with a Tottenham team languishing at the bottom of the table, United struggled to keep pace. Despite being a man up after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for a clash with Luke Shaw, United failed to secure victory, conceding a late equaliser to Dominic Solanke.
Scholes was particularly incensed by the manner in which United defended leading up to the goal.
He stated:
We've been watching the same central defenders for the last two or three years, and it's clear that with them, success is out of reach.
You can never win the Premier League with this pair.
On Martinez, Scholes offered a pointed critique:
We know Lisandro is a good footballer.
But a real central defender in the Premier League shouldn't be so easily overpowered in his own box. That's simply unacceptable.
The former United midfielder believes the issue extends beyond just one position.
Manchester United need an entirely new set of defenders. A complete overhaul of the back line.
Scholes also took aim at the summer transfer strategy, suggesting that strengthening the defence should have been a top priority and that some newcomers have yet to enhance the squad significantly.
The draw with Tottenham marked a fourth consecutive game without a win for United, who now sit in 12th place in the Premier League. The home fans expressed their frustration loudly, booing the players at half-time and again at the final whistle.
Carrick’s men will have a chance to lift spirits on Tuesday when they face Atletico in the Champions League.
