Paul Scholes Warns Manchester United: Victory Over West Ham Can’t Hide Underlying Problems
Manchester United may have taken all three points in their recent clash against West Ham, but the performance raised serious concerns, particularly in the eyes of club legend Paul Scholes. Despite the 3–2 win at Old Trafford, Scholes pointed out a number of flaws in the team that suggest deeper issues beneath the surface. The former midfielder, renowned for his sharp football intellect, didn’t hesitate to dissect the game with a critical lens.
He questioned the midfield’s structure, noting that players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro, though talented, didn’t function cohesively. West Ham, he observed, found it too easy to cut through United’s midfield, especially during the second half. Scholes emphasized how poor pressing and large pockets of space allowed the visitors to apply pressure and create chances with minimal resistance.
Defensively, United didn’t fare much better. The two goals conceded weren’t products of high-caliber play from West Ham but were more down to fundamental errors — poor positioning, miscommunication, and lack of awareness. With first-choice defenders like Varane sidelined and Lisandro Martínez not yet at full match sharpness, United have had to rely on a patchwork defense, which has yet to develop the understanding and rhythm needed at the top level.
Scholes was also skeptical about the tactical direction under new manager Rúben Amorim. While acknowledging flashes of attacking promise, he pointed out that the team still lacks a defined playing style. The inconsistency in pressing strategies and the disconnect between the front line and midfield left United looking unpredictable and at times disorganized.
Another major concern raised by Scholes was the team’s dependency on standout individual performances. While Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund delivered in this match, Scholes warned that relying on moments of brilliance won’t be enough against top-tier opponents who defend in a more structured way. For long-term success, he stressed, the team must operate as a cohesive unit rather than banking on individual inspiration.
Though Scholes acknowledged the victory as a step in the right direction, he made it clear that winning alone isn’t the ultimate goal for a club like Manchester United. The performance left more questions than answers, and Scholes called for urgent improvements if United are to become serious contenders again. The ball is now in Amorim’s court — whether he can mold this talented but unbalanced squad into a truly competitive side remains to be seen.
