Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called for his ex-club to bolster their defensive options by signing a specific type of centre-back to perfectly partner club captain Harry Maguire.
Scholes believes that despite United’s almost perfect form since the sport’s restart his former club need to sign a centre-back who can partner Maguire before United can challenge rivals and runaway Premier League winners Liverpool.
United conceded a poor opener in their 5-2 thriller against Bournemouth yesterday after Junior Stanislas broke free of the back line and slotted the ball past goalkeeper David de Gea.
United’s mishap at the back has promoted Scholes who spent two decades at United to believe that pace at the back is much-needed before United can think about mounting a serious domestic challenge.
Speaking to Radio 5 Live as quoted by Daily Mail, Scholes said: ‘There is a big gap to close, there’s no doubt about that.
‘The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see.
“I really don’t think they are a million miles away. I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it’s two or three now.”
Addressing the type of defender Scholes believes United need to secure, he said: “I think you are looking at a centre-forward, a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [Harry] Maguire.
“I think [Victor] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times [can get caught].
“If he’s got a really dominant centre-half next to him like a Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam, who bullies centre forwards, I think that would be a big help to the team.”
Scholes’ former side appear to be in a fine position to secure Champions League football next season which could allow them greater movement in this summer’s transfer market.
With a lack of creativity and goals seemingly a thing of the past, perhaps an addition at the other end of the pitch is higher on Solskjaer’s shopping list than one may have been prior to the restart.
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