“I don’t know why we signed him. With such a performance, he has proved that he’s just wasted funds. He has not become a better replacement for the player formerly this position” – Paul Scholes expresses doubts about Manchester United’s decision to sign the £43 million player following their defeat to Tottenham.

Paul Scholes remarked that Manchester United resembled an “uncoached team” after their dismal 3-0 loss to Tottenham and questioned the signing of Matthijs de Ligt.

The Red Devils continued their poor start to the 2024/25 season at Old Trafford, with Brennan Johnson scoring just three minutes into the match, energizing Spurs’ away supporters.

Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a reckless foul on James Maddison in the 42nd minute, exacerbating the hosts’ troubles, as second-half goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sealed the defeat.

The result leaves United in 12th place in the Premier League, increasing the pressure on Erik ten Hag to secure a result against Aston Villa next weekend.

“You can’t tell how they will play,” Scholes stated on SuperSport. “It’s unclear if they’ll counter-attack, sit deep, or try to dominate possession. They look like an uncoached team.

“After two years, we could see how Tottenham was going to play from the first week under Ange Postecoglou, and they’re still following that plan.”

“We’re over two years into this [at United], and as I mentioned, it feels like an uncoached team.

“The players appeared lifeless today; they looked flat and uncertain, lacking enthusiasm for the game. That kind of energy must come from training.

“Some of the positions the players occupy on the pitch are just chaotic at times.”

Scholes criticized Manchester United’s recent recruitment, arguing that the £43 million summer signing De Ligt is not an improvement over Harry Maguire, who has only made two league starts this season.

“When you bring in new players, you expect them to be significantly better than those already on the team. I don’t see any players coming in who make a substantial difference,” Scholes stated.

When asked if De Ligt represents a £50 million upgrade over the former club captain Maguire, Scholes responded, “No, definitely not.”

Scholes urged the United players to stop making “excuses” and focus on securing results before Ten Hag’s position becomes unsustainable.

“These are seasoned players who have cost United a significant amount,” he said.

“We need to move past the excuses and get onto the training pitch to establish a way of playing.

“Find something, show us something!”