Paul Scholes, a two-time Champions League winner with Manchester United, has assessed the side’s European campaign as they undergo their final preparations for tonight’s group-stage fixture.
Having taken just four points from their five group stage games thus far, the Red Devils’ hopes of progression to the last-16 are now out of their hands entirely heading into the last matchday.
United sit rock-bottom of Group A and take on group winners, Bayern Munich, at Old Trafford this evening at 8pm. The Germans will be looking to clinch a 40th game unbeaten in the group stage with a win or draw – a remarkable feat which has only added to the pressure heaped on the Reds’ shoulders.
All Erik ten Hag’s men can do is overturn Bayern and hope that Copenhagen and Galatasaray’s clash ends in a draw, which is the only way they can qualify for the knockouts.
Scholes bemoans United’s European efforts
Alas, if their exit heartbreak is confirmed by the full-time whistle, Scholes insists that the squad must take a look at themselves first and foremost.
“The damage is done,” the club legend told TNT Sports. “They’ve been in good positions. To lose against Galatasaray at home was a disgrace really. They’ve probably got what they deserved – I don’t know what Bayern Munich’s attitude is going to be like, they also had a surprise defeat at the weekend [losing 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga].
“But I always think big teams want to come to Old Trafford and win, it’s the prestige of going to Manchester United and winning. If United play like they did against Bournemouth [a 3-0 Premier League defeat on Saturday], they could be in big trouble.”
A third-placed finish in the group would see United drop down to the Europa League, a competition that they’ve grown all too familiar with following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
Scholes added: “Manchester United shouldn’t be associated with the Europa League. But there will be some big clubs in it in the new year, if United go into it, there’s Liverpool and similar teams.
“The only reason big clubs are in it is if they’ve failed this season or failed last season. I think it might be best if they have one game a week, try and prepare his team and try to find a culture that works for the football club.”
