Paul Scholes has said his piece on one Manchester United star in particular after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City, and he has urged the forward to become more consistent.
Manchester United had the better chances in the game, particularly in the first half, but frantic finishing and a lack of direction at times in the final third meant it was another game gone by in which they have failed to score.
Goals are becoming hard to come by as the season drags on, with Rasmus Højlund in particular struggling to get into a run of form, despite scoring against Leicester before the international break.
United are missing the presence of Amad more than ever in recent weeks, with Rúben Amorim suggesting the Ivorian will make it back towards the end of the season. Paul Scholes believes there is only one player in the forward line at the moment who is providing a threat, but even he is not currently performing to a consistent enough level for the club.
The player in question has not scored in nearly 25 games for the club but could have ended that today with a great chance at the far post from a Diogo Dalot cross, but he unfortunately fluffed his lines.
Paul Scholes urges Garnacho to find consistency
Paul Scholes has urged Alejandro Garnacho to find consistency in his game, while also admitting that the Argentine forward was United’s biggest threat in Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. All the Red’s best chances fell to Garnacho, who also created some nice opportunities by linking with Patrick Dorgu down the left hand side.
The former United legend Scholes was speaking after the game and declared his former side looked toothless in attack and highlighted the forward area in particular as an area where reinforcements are needed in the summer.
“I think Garnacho is the only threat, but again, we’re talking about a threat when he’s scored once in 25 or 26 games.
“It’s not enough; he needs to be more consistent with his chances. He should’ve scored again today for me, a diving header from five yards out; it should be a goal, and that probably wins the game.”
“We know reinforcements are needed, possibly all across the pitch but especially in forward areas. They look toothless in attack.”
Garnacho did probe City today and always looked willing to keep trying no matter how many times he’d lose the ball or miss a chance. That is perhaps the winger’s greatest asset, but he does need to nurture his final product if he is to take his game to that next level.
There appears to be a lack of cohesion between the front three on any given day, with Rasmus Hojlund continuing to cut an isolated figure up top. Garnacho’s pace remains an asset, but that pace needs to be backed up by proper finishing in key situations, as his misses in recent weeks have cost United some key points at times.
Garnacho will know this. The Argentine is a huge talent, and if he can hone those skills in, there is no doubt he can become a true star in the years to come.
Who could the reinforcements be?
A player like Matheus Cunha for Manchester United between the lines makes the difference. The silkiness of the Brazilian as well as his ability to create and score would be an asset to any team, and with a release clause of £62.5m, there is a feeling he will be someone the club push for this summer.
Recent reports suggest that the club is targeting Liam Delap, as David Ornstein has reported that Premier League clubs believe Victor Osimhen will move to Saudi Arabia when the transfer window opens. A move for Victor Gyökeres has also been played down when it comes to United.
Delap, Cunha, and someone like Evann Guessand from OGC Nice could complete a clever window from an attacking perspective for INEOS, particularly with Chido Obi expected to be a full-blown first-team squad member next season.
No matter what happens, United needs reinforcements if Ruben Amorim is to stand any chance of bringing this club forward next season.
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