Paul Scholes explains six Manchester United players who must be replaced, one is “lost” under Rúben Amorim

Paul Scholes has hinted at five Manchester United players he feels must be replaced under Rúben Amorim amid consistent struggles at the Old Trafford club.

Rúben Amorim’s first two and a half months at Manchester United have been anything but smooth since taking over from Erik ten Hag.

Appointed in mid-November with United struggling in 13th place in the Premier League and securing just one win in the Europa League, the 40-year-old set out to rebuild a club in turmoil.

There have been moments of promise, including impressive away victories over Arsenal and Manchester City, but inconsistency remains a concern. Under Amorim, United have won 10 of their first 20 matches, losing eight and drawing two.

Off the pitch, the challenges have been just as demanding. Three senior attackers left on loan during the winter transfer window without replacements arriving, while Lisandro Martínez faces the prospect of missing the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

However, there have been positives. United finally strengthened at left wing-back with the signing of Patrick Dorgu, while 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven has joined as a promising prospect for the future.

Scholes points towards five players who may be replaced

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has become a prominent voice in football since his retirement, and speaking on The Overlap, he explained he feels United need to re-organise their spine completely.

“I think if you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team,” he started. “Liverpool [have a] great goalkeeper, great centre-half, forward, midfield players, whatever it is.

“I don’t think United have any of that in any position. I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre-halves, two centre-midfield players, and two centre forwards.

“I’ll go for one centre-midfield, one centre-forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you’ve got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.”

Aside from calling United to replace goalkeeper André Onana, Scholes explains that he feels the club need two centre-backs, and with both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf needing replacing due to pending departures, he is right.

Further, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are expected to leave in the coming months, making his call for two new midfielders a fair shout, too.

As for the striker position, many feel that although Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have not hit expectations this season, neither should be sold.

However, with Højlund failing to impress as a first-choice player, he may need to be replaced by a more experienced player in the XI.

Scholes singles out a Mainoo issue

Further, Scholes explained that although he may not yet need to be replaced, Mainoo may need to be one to watch as he feels the midfielder is currently “lost” under Amorim.

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“Now, I think Mainoo… I talked about Declan Rice being lost before, I think Mainoo is lost as well,” the former England international explained.

“I don’t think they know what to do with him. I don’t think he knows where to play on the football pitch at all. He’s been played in that, what is it, one of them No. 10 positions.

“He has been played in the two in the midfield, which you can see probably doesn’t succeed. I don’t think he’s the greatest athlete. He’s a great footballer, I think the number 10 does suit him, the false nine, never in a million years. But that spine, that core is so important.”

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