Paul Scholes branded “embarrassing” by Manchester United icon as ‘best signing’ proves everyone wrong

Paul Scholes’ criticism of a Manchester United star has been branded “embarrassing” following the player’s fantastic displays so far.

Manchester United announced the signing of Matthijs de Ligt in mid-August as part of the club’s revamp of Erik ten Hag‘s defensive line alongside Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro.

De Ligt’s transfer fee was around £38 million. He signed from Bayern Munich to reunite with Ten Hag after the pair went their separate ways at Ajax. However, prior to his announcement, former United midfielder Paul Scholes branded the signing “second-rate.”

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“You know what? Manchester United are talking about bringing players in who won’t get in their team,” Scholes said back in August.

“[De Ligt] from Bayern Munich… he’s not played for them. That’s a big concern for me, especially when Eric Dier’s playing in front of him. I’m not joking; that is a massive concern for me.

“You’re bringing in players for £40 million, £50 million, okay, just because he’s played for them three or four years ago…

“Juventus got rid of him; he wasn’t good enough at Juventus, he obviously hasn’t been good enough for Bayern Munich. He’s coming to us almost like a second-rate defender now.

“He might be [a good signing], don’t get me wrong. [His relationship with Erik ten Hag from Ajax] is a big boost, and he’s Dutch.”

Since Scholes made his feelings clear, De Ligt has stood out for United, shining alongside Lisandro Martínez in the club’s back line. Speaking recently, Paul Parker, who won two Premier League titles as a defender with United, named De Ligt as the club’s signing of the summer.

Further, Parker explained that the comments surrounding the Dutch defender, such as those made by Scholes, were “embarrassing”, considering the recent performances.

“I’d say Matthijs de Ligt,” Paker told BetFred when asked who he believes is Manchester United’s signing of the summer.

“I think everybody was looking to call him out, and they were calling him out a lot after the last international break. It was quite embarrassing how much he was being called out. In the last couple of games, he and Lisandro Martínez have made that defence quite sturdy, and when they get the ball, they shift it very quick.

“That was Manchester United’s strength with Raphaël Varane and Martínez when Erik ten Hag first came to the club. Manchester United slipped as a team when either of those two weren’t playing. Centre-back is so important for Manchester United to step forwards.”

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