Paul Scholes blasted Scott McTominay and Fred after Manchester United slipped to a defeat to Brighton in their opening Premier League fixture.
Erik ten Hag endured a nightmare first competitive match in charge of United as his team were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Pascal Gross scored two goals in nine first-half minutes as Brighton took a good lead which led the home side to be booed off at half-time.
United, who finished sixth last campaign, improved after the break but were unable to mount a comeback despite Alexis Mac Allister’s own goal.
It was Brighton’s first-ever victory at the Theatre of Dreams and marked a poor start to the Ten Hag era at Manchester United.
Scholes described United’s first-half display as ‘shambolic’ and singled out McTominay and Fred for criticism.
‘It was a shocking start for Man United and the first half was shambolic really, Scholes told Premier League productions. ‘The signs were there right from the first few minutes that this was going to be bad.
‘McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.
‘I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a late challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again, he’s running with the ball rather than passing it, absolutely ridiculous.
‘It could easily have been a red card. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.
‘With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to play just one of them [going forward] but even one of them is probably too many.
‘Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay’s trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.’
While it was a disappointing afternoon for United, Brighton left Old Trafford not only with all three points but also a historic win.
Goalscorer Gross said: ‘We can’t ask for much more. Three points away from home against Manchester United. It’s a big win for us today.
‘I would love to score more goals against other teams, but always against Man United. I don’t know why!
‘We played really well. the game plan was really good and we stuck to it. We had our chances and were clinical in front of goal.’
