Paul Scholes claims Manchester United’s struggles in big games this campaign can be traced back to their central defenders, while he criticised Bruno Fernandes for not playing well against Chelsea.
United have only one goal against their ‘big six’ rivals in the league this campaign – in a 6-1 defeat to Tottenham – and have picked up only five points from a possible 21 in seven matches.
That run continued against Thomas Tuchel’s side on Sunday, playing out a fourth consecutive goalless draw against one of their rivals, but Scholes believes their attacking issues stem from their defenders, not the forwards.
‘A lot of the problems I see are them two centre-halves and goalkeeper – well, not so much goalkeeper today – but the centre-halves need protecting,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.
‘Which means you’ve got to have your two holding midfield players right next to them all the time and it takes away everything from your attacking ability.
‘They don’t get up the pitch, they can’t keep the ball in the last third of the pitch because they can’t sustain attacks because they’re too deep.
‘And this is a recurring them now that keeps going on. If they’re going to get to that next level they’ve got to be braver, they’ve got to be braver in the centre of the pitch.
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‘The two centre-halves, leave them, let them defend. Who are you playing against? An average Chelsea forward. Not average, because I like [Olivier] Giroud, but he’s not going to run away from anyone. He’s perfect for them two today.
‘Mason Mount isn’t going to run away from them, [Hakim] Ziyech isn’t quick, no pace. They’ve got nothing to worry about. ‘Let your midfield players join in attacks and at least contribute something to the attacking side of the game.’
United created few clear-cut chances against the blues, with Fernandes setting up just one opportunity and unable to get a single shot on target, and Scholes says he needs to start affecting these big games.
He continued: ‘They’ve got to change it, the quality has got to be better. The big players have got to step up.
‘Again Fernandes today, I can’t remember him doing anything. I don’t remember him creating a chance, I don’t remember him having a shot on goal.
‘I don’t remember Mendy, other than a couple of times, being brought into the game. So the quality is disappointing, they’ve got to get it better against these big clubs.’
