Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised German star Bastian Schweinsteiger for failing to contribute to the Red Devils’ attack, while also opining that United will only win the league if Manchester City and Arsenal FC struggle
Paul Scholes has been famously critical of Manchester United’s style of play under Louis van Gaal, and once more took aim at the club — more specifically, at midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger — on BT Sport prior to United’s 2-1 win over Watford.
The former England international believes the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal FC are better placed to win the league, and Manchester United will only be able to win it if those two clubs struggle.
Scholes criticises Schweinsteiger, believes United are not favourites for the league
Manchester United are within a point of leaders Leicester City and despite the lack of attractive, free-flowing football, the Red Devils have been putting together results thanks to their miserly defence. However, club legend Paul Scholes believes the club are not in pole position to win the league. He is quoted by ESPN FC as saying:
“[There are] too many passes before getting into the final third, which is why the forwards like Wayne Rooney have struggled. They don’t get the service.
“Are they good enough to go on and win the league? I’m not 100 percent convinced — I think Manchester City and Arsenal would have to struggle with injuries and form.”
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The former midfielder also took aim at Schweinsteiger, accusing him of not contributing to the United attack.
“You expect more from Schweinsteiger, a player who’s won the World Cup and the Champions League,” Scholes added. “The biggest art as a midfield player is to find space — not in your back four or left-back position — [but] in the centre of the park where it’s most congested, and contribute to your forward players.”
Defending well might just win Manchester United the league title
Although their style of football might not be easy on the eye, Manchester United’s defensive solidity might just win them the league title. Arsenal FC and Manchester City have shown themselves to be vulnerable to surprise defeats and both are currently suffering due to key players being injured.
If Louis van Gaal’s men can maintain their consistency, even if they can only string together 1-0 victories, it will go a long way towards improving their chances of winning the league. Although Scholes’ opinion may reflect that of a portion of United fans, few would be complaining if United were to lift the Premier League trophy come May.