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Paul Scholes has criticized Manchester United for signing Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt. The former United midfielder believes the two players aren't good enough for Erik ten Hag's playing style for the Red Devils.
The club secured Onana's services last summer for a reported £47 million fee from Inter Milan. The Cameroonian goalkeeper has struggled to impress since his arrival and has received substantial criticism for his performances. He registered 38 Premier League appearances last season, conceding 58 goals and maintaining nine clean sheets. Onana has conceded five goals in three league games so far.
Manchester United then signed De Ligt this summer from Bayern Munich for a reported £43 million. The former Ajax center-back has started just once for the Red Devils this season, their brutal 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
However, Scholes has seen enough to brand the Dutch defender and Onana as players who do not meet Manchester United's required standards. The former England midfielder said about playing out from the back (via The Mirror):
"When Pep [Guardiola] first started doing it, you thought 'wow, that's brilliant' and he'll still do it now, of course he will. I think [Mikel] Arteta's Arsenal are good at it but the players have got to be good enough to actually do it.
"I think Ten Hag actually wants to do it a bit with bringing that 'keeper in and De Ligt, but they're still not good enough at doing it and they end up just booting it anyway."
United will next face Southampton at the St. Mary's Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, September 14.
"It would be a bold move" - Pundit urges Erik ten Hag to make Manchester United star captain
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged Erik ten Hag to strip Bruno Fernandes of his captaincy. He believes the Dutchman should give Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo the captain's armband.
Mainoo enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 breakout campaign with the Red Devils, establishing himself as a key player in Ten Hag's side. The 19-year-old recorded five goals and three assists in 35 appearances across competitions and received plaudits for his performances from many.
Petit believes the England international, despite his age, deserves to be the club's captain. The Frenchman has advised Ten Hag to take a stand and give Mainoo the armband. He said:
"I'm looking at the squad and I can't see any leaders. United's best players have been the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobie Mainoo. It would be a bold move, but If I'm Ten Hag, maybe I would make a strong decision and appoint the future of the club (Mainoo) as my captain."
Mainoo came through Manchester United's academy and has started all four games across competitions this season for them.
