Paul Scholes was clear in what Man United needed to do in the 2020 summer transfer window to return to the top, but his demands fell on deaf ears at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (C) reacts prior to the match between Manchester United and Hong Kong at Hong Kong Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Hong Kong, China.
Manchester United have been told to sign certain players by a former Old Trafford hero
(Image: Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Paul Scholes had previously urged Manchester United to acquire a commanding centre-back to pair with Harry Maguire, aiming to propel the team back to the summit of the Premier League.
Yet, his appeals seemingly went unheard at Old Trafford, and now there's concern that the club might repeat the same oversight this transfer window.
In 2020, United were in third place in the Premier League table, trailing champions Liverpool by 33 points and second-placed Manchester City by 15 points. Although they weren't genuine challengers for the title during the 2019/20 campaign, ex-United star Scholes believed that the club wasn't far from reclaiming their position at the pinnacle of English football.
During an appearance on BBC Radio5Live, the former midfielder said: "There is a big gap to close, there's no doubt about that. The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire of Manchester United appear dejected with team mates during the winners medal ceremony after their team's defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
Paul Scholes wanted a towering defender to partner Harry Maguire(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
"I really don't think they are a million miles away. I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it's two or three now. I think you are looking at a centre-forward, a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [Harry] Maguire.
"Look, I think [Victor] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times (can get caught). If he's got a really dominant centre-half next to him like a Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam who bullies centre-forwards I think that would be a big help to the team."
However, United's summer transfers ahead of the 2020/21 season did not align with Scholes's call for a defender and top-class forward.
In fact, fast-forward five years, and the only player signed that summer who remains at the club is Amad Diallo, following loan stints at Scottish side Rangers and newly promoted Premier League team Sunderland.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær opted to sign Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri to the first team, but failed to secure any trophies as they were defeated on penalties in the Europa League final by Villarreal that year.
Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hugs Christiano Ronaldo of Manchester United after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Atalanta and Manchester United at Gewiss Stadium on November 02, 2021 in Bergamo, Italy.
The United hierarchy chose to ignore Scholes' advice
The squad finished second in the Premier League, trailing champions City by 12 points. If the club's executives had heeded Scholes' advice and secured the two signings he requested, there's no telling whether United could have toppled their fierce rivals.
Despite recruiting additional players, including high-profile stars like Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo, United regressed and ended up in sixth place after Solskjaer departed midway through the 2021/22 season.
When Solskjaer left, one thing was evident: United's squad was not strong enough to compete at the top of the league, and required a significant overhaul. Ralf Rangnick, who temporarily replaced Solskjaer, echoed this sentiment by stating that they needed several years and at least 10 new players to catch up with teams like Liverpool and City.
Following Rangnick's underwhelming tenure, Erik ten Hag assumed control at Manchester United in May 2022. Even with a modern-thinking boss who boasted a history of success, the club's transfer policy appeared to be in disarray.
High-profile acquisitions such as Antony, Casemiro, and Lisandro Martinez failed to elevate United's title aspirations, culminating in a third-place finish, trailing champions City by 14 points.
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, speaks the Old Trafford crowd after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Ruben Amorim has his work cut out for him at Manchester United
Apart from securing the FA Cup, the last two campaigns have been dismal at Old Trafford. In the 2025 season, United suffered their weakest Premier League performance, notching their all-time lowest points total, 42 from 38 matches, as well as an unprecedented 15th place finish.
The squad struggled on the attacking front, scoring a mere 44 goals over the league season and missing the opportunity to redeem themselves by losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Scholes has since made it clear that United need to target fresh talent to address their offensive shortfall, insisting the club should "just buy" Eberechi Eze this summer. The Crystal Palace playmaker has been prolific in the league this season, notably scoring the decisive goal against City in the FA Cup final, earning his team their first major trophy.
Scholes vocalised his recommendation for United whilst watching England's disappointing 3-1 loss to Senegal earlier in June, when the 26-year-old midfielder emerged as one of the sole bright spots during the match.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United applauds the fans following defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
Manchester United have seen a rapid decline over the last few seasons
During the match, Scholes shared an image of Eze donning an England kit with the caption, "Just buy him", indicating his desire for United to pursue the talented forward.
Another ex-United star, Dwight Yorke, has also expressed that Eze would be an ideal fit for the club. Speaking to The Metro in May this year, Yorke said: "Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace would be perfect for Manchester United.
"Yeah, he scored at the weekend in the FA Cup final, but it's not just about that. A year ago, maybe more, I said this kid and Michael Olise – who went to Bayern – United should buy them for £100 million. Put £100m down and you will get two fantastic players.
"Instead, they listened to the figures in the hierarchy, which is understandable, but it's glaring just how good these two are. Eze has the decision-making, the talent, he's a good athlete, he can create and score. He's at the right age to step up and play on a bigger platform. It's a no-brainer."
Christian Eriksen of Manchester United applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
There will be many incomings and outgoings at Old Trafford this summer
Despite Scholes' advocacy - which has been ignored previously - it appears that Tottenham may swoop in with a £68million offer to activate Eze's release clause.
The London club, who dashed United's European aspirations with a 1-0 victory in the Europa League final, seem intent on securing Eze's services this summer.
Eze has long been on Spurs' radar, and new manager Thomas Frank is eager to bolster his attacking options due to the potential departure of club captain Son Heung-min this summer.
United are also plotting a move for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo to add to their summer signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, which could effectively end any plans to pursue Eze.
Eberechi Eze of England during the international friendly match between England and Senegal at the City Ground on June 10, 2025 in Nottingham, England.
Eberechi Eze is another target Scholes would like United to pursue
Having just splashed out £62.5million on the former Wolves star and recently upped their bid for Mbeumo to over £60m, it seems unlikely that United will spend an additional £68m on Eze, given they've already committed nearly £123m.
United have previously paid the price for ignoring Scholes' advice, but this doesn't appear to be dissuading manager Ruben Amorim, who remains firm in his belief that Mbeumo and a new striker are more pressing needs than Eze.
United have already missed out on their top striker target when Liam Delap opted to join Chelsea, but they remain optimistic about securing Viktor Gyokeres, despite the striker's preference for Arsenal.