Just weeks after calling Jose Mourinho an “embarrassment”, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched another scathing attack on key figures at his former club.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, the ex-England midfielder “took aim” at Old Trafford manager Mourinho and star players such as Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku.
United are languishing in eighth position in the Premier League. They face a huge test this weekend when they travel to Mourinho’s old club Chelsea. The Blues are second in the table after an unbeaten start to the league season.
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Speaking ahead of Saturday’s big Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge (12.30pm kick-off), here’s what Scholes had to say in his interview with ESPN’s Andy Mitten…
Scholes on Mourinho
“I loved watching his interviews, his cockiness. I thought he was brilliant, but that Jose has gone. Now it’s just a moaning Jose, which frustrates you. He’s moaning at his players and what he hasn’t got. But look what he does have. He tells people he’s the best coach, so he should now prove that. It’s not like he’s been given nothing [at Man United]. He’s been given fortunes to spend and he’s bought a lot of these players.”
Scholes on Sanchez
“I know he has qualities and has been a good player but I never saw him as a United player. I saw him as a bit selfish, someone who played for himself sometimes. I didn’t think he was a player that we needed, especially for that type of money. How would we be able to get rid of him now when he earns those wages? The signing felt like it happened just to stop Man City signing him.”
Scholes on why Messi would struggle at Old Trafford
“It feels like every player who comes into the team struggles. I feel like we could sign Lionel Messi at the moment and he’d struggle in this team.”
Scholes on Pogba
“How old is he – 25? He does some of the best things in games, a great pass or dribble, a great touch or dribble. Then, five minutes later, he’ll do one of the worst things like his brain has switched off, like it’s all about him because he’s just shown everyone how good he is.”
Scholes on Lukaku
“I’m just not sure you are ever going to win the league with a goal scorer like him. I don’t think his play outside of the box is good enough. I’m not sure if he works hard enough but he’s still a young man who has done well and scored a lot of goals. He’s quick and strong, but Lukaku is one of many United players who look like they’re short of confidence.”
