'I struggle to get excited': Paul Scholes makes surprising Manchester United prediction ahead of new season
As a new season begins for Manchester United, could this finally be the turning point that sees the team relive their former glory days?
Not according to the ex Red Devils Midfielder and club legend Paul Scholeswho says they'll be lucky to finish fourth in the Premier League next season.
The 49-year-old spent his entire career as a Manchester United player, racking up a total of 155 goals in 721 appearances for the club.
He won no fewer than eleven Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cup trophies and two Champions League titles.
But the golden period that Scholes oversaw certainly seems a long way off for Manchester United, with the club finishing eighth in the top flight last season.
And what's more, he has issued a prediction about his next season which will be… No Keeping the fans smiling.
“I think the best they can do is finish fourth,” he admitted. The overlap When asked about the club's prospects for next season.
“I've heard a lot of Manchester United fans say how excited they are for the new season. I find it hard to get excited myself,” Scholes said.
He went on to describe the specific areas that made it difficult for him to share any sense of optimism towards his former club.
“I still think there are other areas of the pitch that are a problem,” he explained. “You mentioned the young centre-back (Leny Yoro) coming in – that's great, but he's 18.
“He's already been injured. Martinez was injured a lot, Maguire was injured towards the end of the season, Lindelof, not Varane.”
And there was one player about whom Scholes expressed serious doubts.
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“I'm still worried about the goalkeeper (André Onana)”, he said. “The goalkeeper is a big concern for me. Even watching the pre-season games and seeing a couple of goals he conceded against Liverpool, I worry a lot about him.”
Manager Erik Ten Hag It was another cause for concern for the former Red Devil.
“I'm worried about[the coach],” he admitted. “He has to start well, he has to be much better than last season. When they kept him, I was very happy because I like the idea of continuity. We've had so many coaches it's just ridiculous.”
“But on the other hand, from the first to the second season, you'd like to see some improvement, but if anything, it got worse.”
And in case anyone thinks Scholes has forgotten any aspect of Manchester United's squad, also They didn't seem convinced of his offensive prowess either.
“You also have to look at the forwards,” he added. “(Rasmus) Hojlund, could he score 25 goals for us this season? I'd be surprised, I'd be surprised.”
“You look at someone like Ivan ToneyIf I could come and see you, would I get 25 points? I think I could.
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He added: “I think Hojlund is really good, but he was brought to this country when he was 19 and asked to be Manchester United's number nine.
“It's an iconic role, chasing players who were scoring 25, 30 goals, brilliant goals, and winning league titles.”
Manchester United fans will get their first chance to see how their team could shape up this season when their 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway.
The match will begin with a home game against Fulham on Friday 16 August.
