“That’s a Concern”: Paul Scholes Questions Why Ten Hag Just Can’t Do One Thing About His Defence
Erik Ten Hag finds himself in the spotlight after one win and two losses as Manchester United struggles early on. Summer 2024 was a successful one for Manchester United. The United technical bench saw major changes, and INEOS made several impressive signings during their first transfer window.
Some United fans expected to see instant progress as the new season began, but that has not been the case. Ten Hag's Manchester United have shown some familiar flaws from last season. We hope to see some improvements following the international break, in response to the criticism the United boss has received.
One of those changes would be to stick with a single central defensive pairing. The Dutch coach first partnered Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in the season's first game (a 1-0 win over Fulham). However, Maguire did not complete the game, as Johnny Evans replaced him in the 81st minute. On match day 2, the ex-Leicester started again against Brighton, but Matthijs de Ligt replaced him in the 79th minute.
Ten Hag altered his central defence pairing against Liverpool, pairing Martinez with de Ligt, who started his debut game for United. In the 69th minute, Ten Hag substituted De Ligt with Maguire. No one of Lisandro Martinez's defence partners has finished a game three games into the 2024-25 season. Moving forward, United must ensure that the central defensive pairing remains stable. To achieve stability, the two players in a critical position, such as central defence, ought to form a close bond.
Paul Scholes, speaking on PL productions, chastised Ten Hag for his lack of faith in Maguire and De Ligt to finish a game. He hinted at the fact that Lisandro Martinez may need a stable partner in order for United's defence to click.
“If you have a centre-half who can’t get through a game, that’s a concern,” Scholes told Premier League Productions, as per the Metro.
“That tells me you’re not fit enough straight from the off. Back fours should always stay on early.
“You may bring a full-back off here and there, but two centre halves should be there for the full game, and it’s been the first three games that they’ve changed it [during the game]. How can a centre-back not be fit enough?
“You have the excuse of the Euros, and you can say it takes a bit of time to get going, but Liverpool had players there as well. Other teams had players there; you don’t see them struggling.”
Scholes has a point; United's defence has already conceded five goals in three games. There needs to be a change in United's central defence. Perhaps Ten Hag, from Maguire, DeLigt and Martinez, should look into establishing a consistent central defensive duo at Manchester United. It may help them become more defensively sturdy.
After the international break, United must dramatically improve their performance in order to turn things around. They must tighten up their defence and stop conceding sloppy goals. It is critical for them to prioritise keeping clean bedding, as this can be the key to getting excellent results.