Manchester United’s purple patch has faded just as abruptly as it started, with the Red Devils losing to Liverpool in the Europa League following a Premier League defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
The Red Devils’ defeat to arch rivals Liverpool has once again drawn the ire of one of their greatest players, who has now become one of their greatest critics. Paul Scholes was livid at the performance of his former club in their Europa League round of 16 clash at Anfield, as Manchester United produced a dismal display to lose 2-0.
One player in particular that Scholes was not impressed with was midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who he feels negatively affects the playing style of Manchester United.
“It’s disappointing. But, deep down, I knew beforehand this would happen,” said Scholes, while speaking to fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, according to the Daily Mail. “If you play Fellaini, you can only play one way. You have to smash it to him. That isn’t Manchester United. That should never, ever be Manchester United.”
The former United and England midfielder also stressed that the club are lacking in leadership.
“How is Juan Mata captain? He’s a good player and he’s had a good month. But to be captain of Manchester United?
“I don’t think there are many real leaders in there. Chris Smalling? The goalkeeper? They, possibly, could be captain but are they real Manchester United captains?”
The misfit that Moyes left behind
Marouane Fellaini was the first signing of Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Old Trafford, David Moyes. The Scottish manager wanted to bring in his former ward from Everton, and a 27.5 million pound last-minute, deadline day deal heaped expectations on the Belgian midfielder.
In three seasons, the midfielder has only nine goals in 77 appearances for the Red Devils. His contributions this season have been mostly insignificant, and Manchester United seem to be a better team without him in the starting XI. Of the last 10 league games he has featured in, United have managed only two wins. On the other hand, they have won six of their last 10 games played without the 28-year-old.
