Paul Scholes blasts “criminal” mistake from Man United player with play branded “awful”

Paul Scholes has blasted Casemiro for a “criminal” mistake as Manchester United fell to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Manchester City, intensifying the scrutiny on Erik ten Hag.

Despite an impressive initial goal by Marcus Rashford, City dominated the second half with two goals from Phil Foden and a final one from Erling Haaland at the Etihad.

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However, former United player Paul Scholes has chosen to focus on one specific moment from current midfielder Casemiro during Phil Foden’s second goal of the game.

“Look at Casemiro during that one-two,” Scholes told Premier League Productions as they reviewed Foden’s quick exchange with Julien Alvarez ahead of the second goal.

“In a defensive position, the holding midfield role, that is criminal. The gap shouldn’t be that far and Casemiro, with the experience he has got, should not be getting done with a one-two there.”

He added: “Once United went behind they didn’t really have the answers, they don’t have the quality of Manchester City, they can’t keep a spell of possession for three or four minutes.

“They don’t have that quality, and they were a bit recognisable at the end. You are more hoping it’s not 4-1 or 5-1 rather than getting it back to 3-2. A draw to play that way looks acceptable, but as soon as they go ahead, it looks awful.

“You’re looking at United and they are behind, you have got to try put pressure on City, try get Rashford, [Alejandro] Garnacho down the side but they could never really get that spell of possession.

“The midfield did okay defensively for a while but when you play against a team like City you don’t get a kick of the ball. It’s difficult to stamp your authority on a game.”