Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched a fierce critique of current manager Ruben Amorim, insisting that the Portuguese coach is not the right fit to lead the Red Devils. Despite an emphatic 4–1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers that lifted United to sixth place in the Premier League standings, Scholes remains unconvinced by the direction the club is heading under Amorim’s leadership.
Speaking on The Good, the Bad and the Football podcast alongside Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness, Scholes questioned not only Amorim’s tactical approach but also whether he truly understands the identity and traditions of Manchester United.
“I don’t think the manager really understands this football club,” Scholes said bluntly. “For me, he’s not the right person.”
Results Haven’t Changed Scholes’ View
Manchester United’s recent win over Wolves offered a rare moment of optimism in an otherwise turbulent season. The performance was dominant, the scoreline convincing, and the league position respectable. However, Scholes believes results alone cannot mask deeper issues.
According to the former midfield maestro, United’s performances still lack the core values that once defined the club: risk-taking, attacking freedom, and entertainment.
“Manchester United is about taking risks,” Scholes explained. “It’s about excitement. Fans want to see players who can beat a man, wingers who take defenders on, plenty of shots, and individual brilliance. Right now, we’re not seeing any of that.”
For Scholes, the issue is philosophical rather than statistical. Even when United win, he argues, the style of play feels disconnected from the club’s DNA.
Tactical Concerns and the Three-At-The-Back System
One of Scholes’ strongest criticisms is aimed at Amorim’s preferred tactical setup. The Portuguese coach built his reputation at Sporting Lisbon using a three-man defense, a system he has attempted to replicate at Old Trafford.
Scholes believes this approach is fundamentally incompatible with Manchester United’s history.
“He played a back three at Sporting, but at United that should be an immediate no,” Scholes stated. “This club has never been about that. Even before Sir Alex Ferguson, United played with four defenders—4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1—always attacking, always entertaining.”
In Scholes’ view, the current system restricts attacking players and dulls the aggressive instincts that once made United feared across Europe.
Comparing Amorim to the Ferguson Era
Inevitably, Scholes drew comparisons with the club’s most successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson. While acknowledging that modern football has evolved, he insists that the underlying mentality should never change.
“When we went one goal up under Sir Alex, the aim wasn’t to protect it—it was to score another, and then another,” Scholes recalled. “You kill the game. You don’t sit back.”
He cited recent matches where United appeared content to manage narrow leads rather than push for dominance, something he feels would have been unacceptable in his playing days.
That contrast, according to Scholes, highlights how far the current team has drifted from the attacking mindset that once defined Manchester United.
Doubts Over the Club’s New Leadership Structure
Scholes also broadened his criticism to include United’s new executive leadership, particularly CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox. While acknowledging their credentials, he questioned whether they truly understand what makes Manchester United unique.
“They might be very good at their jobs,” Scholes said, “but they’re not Manchester United. They don’t know what a Manchester United manager should look like, or how United should recruit players.”
This disconnect, Scholes argues, risks further distancing the club from its roots, especially when managerial appointments and transfer strategies fail to reflect the club’s historical identity.
Progress on Paper, But Doubts Remain
To be fair, Ruben Amorim has overseen a noticeable improvement compared to Manchester United’s disastrous 2024/2025 campaign. The team is now just one point away from the top four, and results have stabilized.
However, Scholes insists that progress should not be measured by league position alone.
“Yes, the results are better,” he admitted. “But the way they’re getting those results doesn’t feel right.”
That sentiment is echoed by sections of the fanbase who remain divided over Amorim’s tenure. While some appreciate the structural discipline he has brought, others share Scholes’ concern that United are sacrificing their attacking soul.
A Debate That Reflects United’s Identity Crisis
Paul Scholes’ criticism is unlikely to end the debate surrounding Ruben Amorim, but it does highlight a deeper issue: Manchester United’s ongoing struggle to define who they are in the post-Ferguson era.
Amorim’s methods may yet bring success, but for club legends like Scholes, success must come in a way that aligns with the traditions and expectations of Old Trafford.
As United continue their push for Champions League qualification, the tension between results and identity will remain a central theme. Whether Ruben Amorim can bridge that gap—or whether Scholes’ doubts will ultimately prove justified—remains one of the most compelling storylines of the season.
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