Paul Scholes says Manchester United need to sign at least five players “with a bit of quality” or face up to the possibility of relegation from the Premier League next season.
United are 13th in the table currently but with new boss Ruben Amorim making little impression and the squad full of players seemingly not good enough for the rigours of England’s top flight, Scholes believes a summer overhaul is required.
The Red Devils spent heavily last summer but only Leny Yoro can be considered a decent signing – and the jury remains out on him due to injury problems – with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt struggling to make the grade.
Squad 👊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/5fElZNQKGC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2025
And Scholes is fearful another repeat in 2025 could bring disastrous consequences.
United lacking a solid spine – Scholes
The former United and England midfielder told the Overlap Fan Debate: “There are a few things that are concerning. There’s a lot of stuff he [Amorim] needs to do, we all know that, especially in transfer windows, but I don’t see a core of players.
“When you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team. Liverpool: great goalkeeper, great centre half, forwards, midfielders, whatever. I don’t think United have any of that in any position.
“I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre halves, two centre midfield players, and two centre forwards.
“Alright, I’ll go for one centre midfielder and one centre forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you’ve got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.
“That spine, that core, is so important. If they don’t get that right this summer, this might sound ridiculous, but the form since this manager has come in, they could be looking at relegation. I’m telling you, it’s been so bad.”
League form a worry for Amorim
United have won just three of their last 11 league games but did squeeze through to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Friday night thanks to Harry Maguire’s late header against Leicester City.
Last night’s draw paired them with Fulham at Old Trafford.