Paul Scholes has openly criticized a specific tactic employed by Erik ten Hag, claiming that Manchester United is significantly lagging behind Liverpool in this area. The comments come after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, which highlighted some glaring issues in United’s approach under ten Hag’s management.
The match was a frustrating one for Manchester United, with Liverpool taking control despite an early scare. Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have put Liverpool ahead with a goal, but it was disallowed after a VAR review determined it was offside. However, this reprieve was short-lived for United, as Liverpool quickly found their rhythm and took the lead not long after.
Scholes, a legendary figure at Manchester United and now a pundit, was particularly critical of the way ten Hag’s team was outplayed. He pointed out that United’s tactical approach, especially in comparison to Liverpool’s, was lacking. Scholes noted that Liverpool’s superior execution of their tactics exposed Manchester United’s deficiencies, making the team look “miles behind” their rivals.
The defeat to Liverpool was not just another loss; it was a stark reminder of the gap between the two clubs, particularly in how they execute their game plans. Scholes emphasized that United’s inability to match Liverpool’s intensity and tactical discipline was a major concern. He highlighted that while Liverpool was sharp and cohesive in their play, United seemed disjointed and unable to keep up, which ultimately led to their downfall.
Scholes’ critique of ten Hag’s tactics also reflects a broader concern among Manchester United supporters. Many feel that the team has struggled to establish a clear identity and consistency under ten Hag, especially in big matches. The loss to Liverpool, a key rival, only intensifies the scrutiny on the manager’s strategies and whether they are effective enough to compete at the highest level.
This defeat has raised questions about Manchester United’s current trajectory under ten Hag. While the team has shown flashes of potential, performances like the one against Liverpool suggest there is still a significant gap between United and the top teams in the league. Scholes’ comments are a reminder that for United to return to their former glory, they must bridge this gap, both in tactics and overall performance.
In summary, Paul Scholes has criticized Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, stating that the team is “miles behind” their rivals. The loss highlighted the disparity between the two clubs, particularly in their execution of tactics, and has raised concerns about United’s progress under ten Hag.