“They managed to win against West Ham but there were a lot of issues that was revealed during the match, Amorim needs to improve these issue to become competitive again, but fair play to them” – This is according to Paul Scholes as he points out several issues with the current Man United using their performance against West Ham
Despite securing a much-needed win against West Ham United, Manchester United’s performance has once again drawn criticism — not from rival fans or opposition pundits, but from within the club’s own legendary circle.
“They Managed to Win Against West Ham, But a Lot of Issues Were Revealed During the Match” — Paul Scholes Delivers Honest Assessment of Manchester United’s Flaws Despite Victory
Despite securing a much-needed win against West Ham United, Manchester United’s performance has once again drawn criticism — not from rival fans or opposition pundits, but from within the club’s own legendary circle. This time, the sharp eye of former midfield maestro Paul Scholes has landed squarely on United’s current squad, and he didn’t hold back.
“They managed to win against West Ham but there were a lot of issues that were revealed during the match. Amorim needs to improve these issues to become competitive again, but fair play to them.”
These remarks came just hours after Manchester United’s 3–2 victory at Old Trafford — a scoreline that flattered the hosts considering the underlying fragility and inconsistency on display.
🎯 A Win on Paper, A Worrying Display in Reality
The match against West Ham offered moments of brilliance — quick goals, sharp attacking combinations, and vocal fan support — but it also unearthed several alarming deficiencies that Paul Scholes, and many other observers, couldn’t ignore.
Scholes, known for his concise yet cutting analysis, didn’t mince words in his breakdown of the performance. Let’s explore the key concerns he highlighted:
1️⃣ Midfield Cohesion Still Missing
Scholes, one of the most intelligent midfielders in Premier League history, immediately turned his attention to United’s midfield structure. Despite the presence of talented individuals like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro, the midfield continues to look disjointed and reactive.
“We lacked control again. Once we go ahead, it’s like we forget how to manage a game.”
Scholes noted how West Ham were able to bypass the midfield too easily, particularly in the second half, with simple vertical passes exposing gaps between the lines. He also emphasized a lack of pressing coordination, with United often leaving too much space in central areas.
2️⃣ Defensive Vulnerability and Lack of Communication
Even in victory, Manchester United’s defensive frailty was laid bare. West Ham’s two goals were not the result of extraordinary attacking play — they stemmed from basic defensive lapses, poor positioning, and lack of communication across the backline.
“One long ball, one flick, and they’re in. That’s not good enough for a team trying to get back to the top.”
With Raphaël Varane injured and Lisandro Martínez still regaining full fitness, United are relying on a rotating cast in defense. Scholes highlighted that defensive consistency and chemistry are nonexistent right now, a situation that urgently needs addressing.
3️⃣ No Clear Tactical Identity Under Amorim Yet
Perhaps the most stinging critique from Scholes was aimed at manager Rúben Amorim, who recently took the reins with high expectations.
“I want to see a team with a clear idea of how they play. Right now, it’s hard to say what we are.”
Despite some positive signs — notably a more attacking setup and better ball retention — United still appear to lack a distinct identity under Amorim. At times, they pressed high; other times, they dropped deep. Transitions were chaotic, and the front three often looked isolated from the rest of the team.
Scholes emphasized that top teams — from Manchester City to Arsenal — play with clarity, purpose, and automation. United, in contrast, appear reactionary and unpredictable, even in wins.
4️⃣ Overreliance on Individual Brilliance
Once again, Manchester United were rescued by individual moments of quality rather than a collective, well-oiled system.
“You can’t keep waiting for Bruno or Rashford or Højlund to pull something out of nothing.”
Indeed, Bruno Fernandes’ creative genius, and Rasmus Højlund’s instinctive finishing, were crucial — but Scholes warned that this formula isn’t sustainable. When United face better-organized teams who limit space and time, relying on solo brilliance won’t be enough to win points.
💬 “Fair Play to Them” — But It’s Only a Step, Not the Destination
To his credit, Scholes did acknowledge the positives.
“A win is a win. I won’t take that away from them. The spirit is there. But if we’re talking about being competitive in the Premier League and Europe, this version of United isn’t ready — yet.”
The victory over West Ham lifted United temporarily into a better league position and calmed nerves around Old Trafford — but for a club of this size and history, performance is just as important as result.
🔧 What Amorim Needs to Fix — Fast
If Amorim is to establish a strong foothold in the Premier League and truly rebuild Manchester United into title contenders, Scholes and other critics point to a few immediate priorities:
- Establish a consistent midfield triangle with clear roles for distribution, protection, and creativity.
- Build a fixed defensive partnership that encourages chemistry, structure, and reliability.
- Define a pressing philosophy — is the team high-pressing or mid-block? The current mix is not working.
- Improve game management — especially after taking the lead.
- Make team performance less reliant on individual stars and more about cohesive movement and buildup.
🧠 Final Word: Tough Love from a Legend
Paul Scholes’ comments weren’t an attack — they were a reality check. For someone who helped define an era of discipline, control, and dominance at Manchester United, the current state of the team remains a work in progress.
Victory over West Ham was important — but the performance left more questions than answers. As Scholes rightly put it, “fair play to them” — but if Manchester United truly want to challenge for silverware, “fair” won’t be enough.
Now, the ball is in Amorim’s court. Will he rise to the challenge and mold this talented but uneven squad into something formidable? Or will United continue to stumble through games with more heart than harmony?
Time — and the next few fixtures — will tell.
