Paul Scholes reveals the one major weakness in the Manchester United team despite their victory at Anfield yesterday
Paul Scholes has issued a strong message to Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim despite the team’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. While the win was one of United’s most memorable in recent years, Scholes believes there’s still a crucial problem that needs to be addressed if Amorim truly wants long-term success in the Premier League.
Speaking on Premier League Productions after the match, the United legend praised the team’s resilience and tactical discipline but raised concerns about Bruno Fernandes’ inconsistency and decision-making in big games. Scholes made it clear that while Fernandes remains an outstanding talent, his lack of control and discipline could cost United dearly if not managed properly.
“In as much as everyone’s celebrating this win, Amorim has to fix something quickly if he wants to make a real mark in this league,” Scholes said. “Bruno is a fantastic player, but he’s the one I’m most worried about right now.”
United’s performance at Anfield showcased their defensive structure and counter-attacking sharpness, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Fernandes sealing the victory. Yet Scholes maintained that the Portuguese midfielder didn’t influence the game enough beyond his goal. He criticized Fernandes’ frequent loss of possession and minimal defensive contribution, insisting that in the Premier League, such mistakes can be costly.
“He scored, yes — but apart from that, he lost the ball too often and failed to dictate the game’s tempo,” Scholes explained. “You can’t play as a No. 10 and give away possession 10 to 15 times. That’s dangerous against top sides.”
Scholes emphasized that his concerns weren’t personal but tactical. He argued that Fernandes’ tendency to take unnecessary risks and overcomplicate play disrupts Amorim’s structured system. “Bruno has all the passion and energy in the world, but sometimes he tries to win every game by himself. Amorim’s football relies on order, not chaos,” he said.
According to Scholes, Fernandes’ emotional reactions on the pitch — including frequent arguments with officials and teammates — reflect poor leadership qualities. “Being captain isn’t about shouting every time something goes wrong. It’s about composure and leading by example,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Fernandes has come under scrutiny from former United stars. Both Roy Keane and Gary Neville have previously voiced similar frustrations over his leadership style and inconsistency under pressure. Against Liverpool, those flaws resurfaced despite his goal.
Amorim’s structured, possession-based approach has helped players like Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro thrive, but Fernandes’ natural inclination for freedom often clashes with that system. A club insider reportedly described the situation as a challenge of “balancing creativity with tactical discipline.”
Scholes warned that Amorim must find a solution soon: “In the Premier League, every mistake gets punished. Bruno needs to adapt — keep his creativity but cut out the recklessness.”
The former midfielder’s comments sparked a mixed reaction among fans online. Some supported Scholes’ view, arguing that Fernandes remains too erratic in crucial games, while others defended the captain, insisting his goal and work rate were vital to the win.
Even pundits were divided. Graeme Souness agreed with Scholes, saying Fernandes “doesn’t always play within the team,” while Rio Ferdinand offered a more balanced opinion, suggesting Amorim should “channel Bruno’s passion rather than suppress it.”
As Amorim continues to rebuild Manchester United, the test now lies in finding the perfect balance between structure and freedom. Fernandes remains a key figure, but Scholes’ warning serves as a reminder that leadership and discipline must evolve if the team is to reach its full potential.
United’s win at Anfield may have reignited belief among supporters, but Scholes insists it also exposed a deeper issue that Amorim must fix sooner rather than later. “Amorim is doing a fantastic job,” Scholes concluded. “But if he doesn’t sort out the Bruno Fernandes problem, it could hurt United later.”
