“Just shoot the ball, you dimwitt. If you can’t shoot the ball then what are you doing in the forward position. These players are just taking a p*ss” – This is according to Paul Scholes as he tears into a Man United player that could have scored a hat trick but refused to because of his lack of willingness to shoot the ball against Ipswish Town
Paul Scholes Blasts Manchester United Forward for Hesitation in Front of Goal Against Ipswich Town
Manchester United’s win over Ipswich Town should have been a straightforward affair, but club legend Paul Scholes had plenty to say about one particular forward’s reluctance to shoot. The former midfielder, known for his blunt and no-nonsense analysis, did not hold back in his criticism, calling out the player’s indecisiveness in the final third.
Scholes’ Furious Critique
Scholes, who has always emphasized the importance of efficiency in attacking play, was left bewildered by what he saw as an unnecessary hesitation from United’s forward. His frustration boiled over as he lashed out in his post-match commentary.
“Just shoot the ball, you dimwit! If you can’t shoot the ball, then what are you doing in the forward position? These players are just taking a pss,”* Scholes fumed.
His comments highlight a growing frustration among former players and fans who expect Manchester United’s forwards to be clinical in front of goal, particularly against lower-tier opposition like Ipswich.
A Hat-Trick Missed Due to Indecision
The player in question had multiple clear-cut chances to score but repeatedly opted to pass instead of taking the shot himself. On at least three occasions, he found himself in prime scoring positions but hesitated, ultimately missing the opportunity to register what should have been a hat-trick performance.
Scholes’ criticism was not just about one game—it was about a broader issue plaguing the United attack. Hesitation, lack of confidence, and an apparent fear of making mistakes have become concerning trends among United’s forwards, and Scholes believes it’s unacceptable at a club with such high expectations.
The Need for Ruthlessness in Attack
Scholes has always been vocal about what he believes makes a top-class forward, and he sees directness and decisiveness as non-negotiable qualities.
“At this level, you can’t afford to second-guess yourself. Strikers need to be ruthless. It’s about instinct, about confidence. If you don’t have the guts to shoot, then maybe you shouldn’t be in that position,” Scholes added.
His comments echo a sentiment shared by many fans who are growing impatient with United’s lack of sharpness in front of goal. While the victory against Ipswich was ultimately secured, these recurring issues against smaller teams could become costly when facing tougher opposition.
Fan Reactions and What Comes Next
United fans were quick to react to Scholes’ remarks, with many supporting his view that the team lacks a true killer instinct in attack.
One fan tweeted, “Scholes is spot on. We need forwards who will take their chances, not keep passing the ball around like it’s a training session.”
Another added, “If you’re playing up front for Manchester United, your job is to score goals. It’s that simple.”
With tougher fixtures ahead, the pressure will be on the player in question to prove his doubters wrong. Will he take Scholes’ criticism as motivation and become more clinical, or will his hesitation continue to frustrate fans and pundits alike?
One thing is certain—Paul Scholes won’t be the last person to call him out if these issues persist.
