Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Paul Scholes points accusing finger at three players amid ‘poisonous’ Man Utd ‘mess’

Paul Scholes, BT Sport pundit

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes feels his former side remain in an almighty mess – and has criticised three players who he deems are “feeling sorry for themselves”.

The feel-good factor is yet to return to Old Trafford, despite the appointment of Ralf Rangnick. Indeed, since the German took charge, results have shown a marked improvement. In fact, they have won five of eight matches since he officially replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

That said, there remains an uneasy feeling about watching United. Monday’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Aston Villa was far from plain sailing. In fact, had they taken their chances, Steven Gerrard’s side could quite easily have put themselves in the hat for the fourth round.

That display was perhaps notable for the body language of Marcus Rashford. The homegrown talent cuts an unhappy figure these days and, as the commentators aluded to, is rarely seen smiling.

Indeed, in 15 appearances this season, Rashford has just three goals and one assist to his name. An indication of his struggles and unhappiness.

As a result, one pundit was quick to hit out at his “absolutely shocking” performance against Villa.

Now Scholes has joined the chorus of observers to express their dissatisfaction at current displays.

He thinks Man Utd are currently in a “right mess” and says it’s come to the point where the players should be being questioned more than the manager.

Speaking on the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel, Scholes said: “The club just feels like it’s in a mess, player, staff and manager wise.

“Who wants to come into this club? It feels like a right mess. It does feel poisonous.”

Paul Scholes on lack of quality

On the lack of quality at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes picked out Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Marcus Rashford as three players who still have a lot to prove. The former Man Utd midfielder continued: “It has to come a point where you think, ‘Are these players good enough?’

“We know [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Paul] Pogba, [Raphael] Varane, [Nemanja] Matic have great experience and won trophies but the rest of the squad haven’t proven themselves to be good enough to win anything.

Sevilla don’t want Martial as Manchester United price too expensive

Sevilla don’t want Martial as Manchester United price too expensive

Sevilla have dropped all interest in Martial as Manchester United price is too high for them

“Some of these players have had a lot of games now. Marcus Rashford, he’s had a lot of games, are we ever going to see these lads reach their potential?

“Are they ever going to be good enough to win trophies? [Harry] Maguire, is he good enough? [Victor] Lindelof, is he good enough?

“We keep saying how good they are but they are failing to produce what is required on the pitch.”

Man Utd reportedly keen on Lamptey

United, meanwhile, are ready to rival Tottenham for the signing of Brighton star Tariq Lamptey, according to a report.

Lamptey came through Chelsea’s academy but opted to leave two years ago in search of regular game time. He settled on Brighton and has been gaining a favourable reputation at the Amex ever since.

The right-back’s progress was hampered by a hamstring injury at the start of the season. Seagulls manager Graham Potter has been gradually easing Lamptey back into the side since then.

He has appeared in Brighton’s last three Premier League fixtures – wins against Brentford and Everton, either side of a draw with Chelsea.

Lamptey is on Tottenham’s radar as Antonio Conte doesn’t seem to fully trust Emerson Royal. But with Spurs plotting a move for Adama Traore, United could move into pole position for 21-year-old Lamptey.

The Daily Mail reveal Ralf Rangnick’s admiration for him. The German apparently wants a new right-back, clearly being unimpressed with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot.

Lamptey has the ability to star as a full-back or wing-back, making him an attractive signing for the Old Trafford club.

The player has lightning speed which continues to cause opposition defenders all sorts of problems. He is also calm and collected on the pitch, despite his tender age.

READ MORE: Rangnick has successor in mind, but United chiefs’ favourite ‘secretly’ in takeover talks