Paul Scholes BLASTS Manchester United for “second rate” signing who “won’t get into the team”

Paul Scholes has blasted Manchester United for signing a player who he believes won’t get into Erik ten Hag’s team.

Manchester United made a strong start to the 2024 transfer window, signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and outmanoeuvring Real Madrid to secure Leny Yoro from Lille.

These two acquisitions, totalling £88 million, required the club to sell players to fund further transfers. Erik ten Hag responded by sanctioning the sales of Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, and Alvaro Fernandez, among others.

Read More: “Got to be ready…” Erik ten Hag’s Harry Amas decision questioned by Manchester United legend

United then focused on strengthening key positions, particularly in midfield, right-back, and center-back.

The latter two positions are set to be bolstered by new signings, as it was revealed on Saturday that United had agreed on a fee with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Both transfers are expected to be finalized simultaneously.

However, club legend and former midfielder Paul Scholes has blasted the signing of new star player De Ligt, explaining that the Dutchman does not even play for Munich and is a “second rate” signing.

“You know what? Manchester United are talking about bringing players in who won’t get in their team,” Scholes said on The Overlap Fan Debate.

“[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.”

Scholes’ words are not quite true. De Ligt played 30 times for Bayern Munich last year and was an integral part of their defence during their charge for the Champions League. He was fantastic against Arsenal, and his talent is very much still there—something Ten Hag feels he can get the most out of.

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