Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's current roster, pinpointing eight individuals he would offload during the forthcoming summer transfer market. The former midfield maestro, speaking candidly on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, argued that significant changes are necessary for United to realistically challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Scholes' Verdict on Defensive Options
Scholes began his analysis with the defence, singling out England international Harry Maguire as a player who does not fit the profile required for a championship-winning side. "I think he's been sensational, what he's done. I'm so, so pleased for him," Scholes acknowledged, referencing Maguire's recent resurgence. "But I'm thinking about a United team you want to win the league and the Champions League, and that's where United should be aiming. I'm not sure you'd do that with Maguire, unless you've got someone like a Rio (Ferdinand) next to him."
The pundit revealed he would favour retaining the injured Matthijs de Ligt over Maguire, citing the Dutchman's younger age and superior pace as decisive factors. "If it's one of four centre-backs, I'd have De Ligt in that as one of four. I think they're both quite similar, but De Ligt is a little bit younger, so that's on his side. He's a little bit quicker, so I'd probably just go for De Ligt."
Full-Backs and Young Defenders Under Scrutiny
Scholes' defensive clear-out extended to several other names. He recommended selling Luke Shaw, despite acknowledging the left-back's world-class ability when fit. "When he was playing consistently, I don't think there is a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you're asking me now - and he's done alright appearance-wise this year - I'd sell him. He doesn't play enough games."
The critique also encompassed younger defensive signings. Scholes advocated for the sale of Leny Yoro, the £52 million acquisition from Lille, stating, "They paid a lot of money for him, but I think he's struggled. I think there's something in there, he needs a bit of time, but if you had to make a choice now, I'd probably sell him."
Similarly, he suggested offloading Noussair Mazraoui, questioning his positional fit, and Patrick Dorgu, the £25 million wing-back signing from Lecce. "They brought him in as a wing-back and he's not really played there," Scholes noted. "I'd probably sell. I'm not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him, then he's just a squad player."
Midfield Overhaul Proposed
Scholes turned his attention to the midfield, where he identified further candidates for departure. Mason Mount, the £55 million signing from Chelsea, was deemed surplus to requirements. "I'd probably sell him - and I like him, he's a great footballer," Scholes conceded. "But he's never going to play in front of Bruno Fernandes. I'm not sure what other position he could play and he doesn't play enough games."
He aligned with the club's decision to release the veteran Casemiro, stating, "Another one who's turned his fortunes, but they need strengthening in that position." Scholes also predicted the exit of Manuel Ugarte, simply remarking, "I think he'll go."
Striking Options and the Fernandes Conundrum
Up front, Scholes proposed selling striker Joshua Zirkzee. In contrast, he was effusive in his praise for captain Bruno Fernandes, whom he unequivocally labelled a 'keep'. However, co-host Nicky Butt warned that the Portuguese star's future might require careful management, suggesting the club "will have to sit him down and explain where it is going and what the players are targeting because he could go to any club he wants."
Scholes endorsed United's reported midfield targets—Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson—with characteristic boldness. "They probably need two of the three. I'd probably take all three."
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez narrowly avoided Scholes' axe. "He's got a great left foot. But are you winning the Champions League and Premier League with him? Again, I think every centre-half they've got, they need a better one next to them. I'd just keep him."
Other players Scholes explicitly stated he would retain include Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
