Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has spoken out with unflinching criticism of three senior United players, claiming they are no longer capable of competing at the Premier League level.
United have struggled to find consistency this season, winning just three of their first seven league matches and suffering a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town.
Frustration is mounting among supporters and former players alike, with Scholes now adding his voice to the chorus of criticism.
Scholes Targets Maguire, Shaw, and Casemiro
Speaking to The Times, Scholes singled out Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Casemiro, acknowledging their past contributions but questioning their current physical capabilities.
“Shaw, Maguire, Casemiro, they’ve all been great players, but they’re at a stage of their career now where you get found out in the Premier League if you’re not physically good enough,” he said.
Scholes added:
“Their bodies are not athletic enough, they’re not strong enough, they’re not quick enough.
They’ve dropped to a level where they can’t cope with what’s needed in the Premier League.
Every player in the Premier League is an absolute machine. They’ve got five per cent body fat, they can run, they’re strong, they can head it.
Manchester United are carrying two or three players that are just not capable of living with it.”
Experience Isn’t Enough to Offset Physical Demands
All three players have featured heavily this season. Shaw has started every Premier League game, Casemiro has missed only one due to suspension, and Maguire has played in seven of United’s eight matches across all competitions.
Despite Maguire reportedly being in talks over a new contract, Scholes’ comments suggest he questions the wisdom of extending deals for players who may be past their peak physically.
Casemiro, signed from Real Madrid for £70million three years ago, has struggled to consistently impress since joining.
Yet, he remains part of Ruben Amorim’s first-choice midfield duo alongside Bruno Fernandes and is expected to start against Liverpool on Sunday.
Scholes reflected on the Brazilian’s signing:
“We got sucked into that one. And there’s been quite a few like that.”
Criticism and the Player Response
United stars are no strangers to scrutiny, and Luke Shaw has previously responded to criticism from club legends.
After the Manchester derby defeat to City, Roy Keane criticised Shaw’s fitness and commitment, stating he had “been getting away with murder” for years.
Shaw, however, has taken criticism in stride, acknowledging areas for improvement:
“Of course it hurts. He’s got a lot of experience. He was one of the best captains ever for Man United.
Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. I think criticism is part of being a football player. I listen to it.”
The left-back admitted he was not at his best in recent matches but emphasised the importance of consistency moving forward:
“I’m not getting any younger now and I need to be consistent.
I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but for me now, it’s about keeping that consistency at a high level. Because I know I can do that.”
United’s Challenge Moving Forward
As Manchester United look to regain form in the Premier League, the spotlight on senior players like Maguire, Shaw, and Casemiro will only intensify.
Scholes’ critique underscores the physical demands of the modern game and the need for the squad to maintain peak performance.
For Shaw, Casemiro, and Maguire, the message is clear: past glory will not shield them from scrutiny, and only consistent performances can silence the doubters.