It was another frustrating evening for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s men slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. Paul Scholes was far from impressed with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Anthony Gordon’s second half finish proved to be the only goal as Newcastle took all three points. This led to no response from United, who let’s face it, never got going at St. James’ Park.
It was a lacklustre performance at best and fans will be singling out several players for underperforming.
Scholes took aim at Rashford, who looked disinterested throughout the game, and it really is no wonder that he was substituted in the 61st minute. The England international should be trying to address his goalscoring problems because he has scored just one Premier League goal this season.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Scholes said (via The Mirror): “What is he (Rashford) surprised about? I don’t get it. What is he thinking he should still be on the pitch for? He was causing the team more harm than good.
“Marcus last year was brilliant and he’s got ability, there is no doubt about that. But when you decide to walk back like was, and he comes off and behaves like that, I do not think it’s good for the team.
“And he’s one of the most experienced players now. He’s a player that players look up to. Mainoo looks up to him. Garnacho looks up to him.”
Scholes also criticised Fernandes, who wasn’t at his best against Newcastle, but some of his through balls to Alejandro Garnacho down the left flank were sublime.
“Bruno is another one,” Scholes added. “Look, he’s got fantastic ability, he can score a goal and make a goal, but I would love to be in the dressing room before a game and see what the manager is asking him to do.
“What position is he asking him to play? Where are you supposed to be on the football pitch? I see him as a No.10, it’s his best position as he can play a pass and he can get a goal.
“Where was he tonight? He was never in that position. I see him on the left, the right, sometimes he is the deepest Manchester United player, getting the goal off the goalkeeper. I don’t think that is healthy for the team. It upsets the formation and it upsets the way of playing. We don’t know, the manager might be telling him to do it, but it looks like he goes out and does what he wants on the field.”
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