In a recent social media discussion, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes voiced strong criticisms of his old club following their disappointing performance against Tottenham Hotspur. Scholes released a scathing observation of the team’s lack of spirit and enthusiasm, stating, “We’re two and a half years down the road. It’s an uncoached team. The players looked dead today, they looked flat.” His comments have ignited a spirited discussion among fans, with many weighing in on the causes of the club’s struggles and the potential paths forward.
Summary
- Paul Scholes expresses disappointment over Manchester United’s lack of energy and coaching efficiency.
- Fans echo concerns about management and player accountability, leading to a mix of sentiments.
- All agree that significant changes are needed for the club to regain its former glory.
- The Glazer ownership is thought to be a critical factor in the club’s decline.
The State of the Team
Scholes’ candid remarks have stirred the pot, revealing deep-seated issues within the Manchester United setup. The sense of stagnation has been palpable among fans, with many lamenting how far the club has fallen since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. “Man U are stagnant… even a sleeping giant at this point,” commented user certified4bruhmoment. This sentiment is echoed by numerous fans who feel that the Glazer family’s ownership has significantly hindered the club’s potential. With a slew of bad managerial choices and questionable transfer signings, supporters are yearning for both a fresh approach and a return to their winning ways.
Management in Question
The discussion quickly pivoted to the coaching situation, particularly regarding Erik ten Hag. While some supporters maintain that ten Hag is the perfect fit for the club, others express skepticism about his management capabilities, emphasizing that he is running Manchester United like Ajax without adopting an adaptation to the English game. User ajyahzee expressed a bleak optimism, saying it’s “beautiful” how the club is currently being managed as if they can rely on tactics that were applied successfully somewhere else. However, a more critical user quipped about ten Hag potentially being sacked soon, emphasizing a lack of understanding of the Premier League’s demands.
The Role of Players in the Downfall
While Paul Scholes focused heavily on management issues, many fans stressed that the players also bear a significant share of the blame. As one user pointed out, “The players are also to blame here. They’re letting themselves down, their letting their club down and their letting their fans down.” This theme resonates strongly among the community; they are frustrated with those wearing the famous red jersey who seemingly lack the drive that fans expect. There is an overwhelming call from the comments urging a clear-out of not just bad managerial influences but also of underperforming players. Exhibit A: the departure of Scott McTominay to Napoli was viewed as a smart move, with fans feeling that he would have been scapegoated had he remained at the club.
Ownership and Long-Term Solutions
The Glazer family couldn’t escape scrutiny, with many fans agreeing that the club’s decline can be traced back to their stewardship. As noted by user ChieckeTiotewasace, “The Glazers have no idea how to run a football club,” a sentiment echoed by countless others who feel that ownership lacks footballing acumen. There was a widespread consensus that for Manchester United to regain its status as a football powerhouse, fundamental changes must be made from the boardroom down to the pitch. Comments reflected a desire for accountability that stretches beyond the current team and coaching staff—to the very top of the club’s hierarchy.
While the sentiment may lean toward despair, the passion of Manchester United’s fan base shines brightly in these discussions. Their willingness to voice concerns and push for systemic changes illustrates that the spirit of the club is alive and kicking, even if the results on the pitch paint a different picture. As Paul Scholes eloquently put it, the energy and enthusiasm that once characterized Manchester United seem to have been lost. Without fundamental shifts not only in player mentality but also in management practices and ownership attitudes, the road ahead could remain rocky. Fans must not only unite in their criticism but also channel their frustrations into actions that can help guide the club back to success—whatever that may look like in a post-Ferguson era.