Paul Scholes believes the primary reason behind Manchester United’s woes is the players, as opposed to Ruben Amorim’s newly implemented system.
On Sunday afternoon, the Red Devils were comfortably overturned against arch-rivals Manchester City when sustaining a 3-0 derby defeat at the Etihad.
Had City been more clinical or at their best, you can only ponder what the scoreline could’ve been, given how the hosts were granted chance after chance by slicing through an out-of-sorts United side.
Why United’s start to the season is so concerning
As a result, United ended matchweek four sat 14th-placed in the Premier League table. They have overseen one win, one draw and two losses, whilst they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup in just the second round via a penalty shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town.
Expectedly, Ruben Amorim’s job security has come into question once again. He has now overseen the club’s worst start to a campaign in 33 years, and the side hasn’t shown enough to really warrant faith from supporters that they can turn things around in the near future.
It’s thought Amorim retains the backing of INEOS chiefs for now, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe would reconsider his stance on the coach’s future if it looks as though United stand no chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Scholes: Blame the players over Amorim
Reacting to his former club’s disastrous start to 2025/2026, Scholes told the panel on new podcast ‘The Good, The Bad & The Football’: “Forget the system. The players are just NOT at the level that Manchester United need. They’re not aggressive enough, they’re not quick enough, they’ve not got the legs in midfield.
“They’re playing two in midfield, Bruno [Fernandes] in there, and he hasn’t got the legs to do it in a three, let alone a two.”
Next up for Amorim and his men is a visit from Chelsea, who are unbeaten this term, on Saturday evening.
