Now the new Premier League campaign is here, Paul Scholes highlighted his concern about one specific area which could cost Manchester United points this season
Paul Scholes sitting in an armchair and speaking during a podcast appearance
Paul Scholes thinks there is one glaring area Manchester United may struggle with
(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
Paul Scholes fears Manchester United's midfield could hold Ruben Amorim's Champions League ambitions back.
The Red Devils have invested heavily this season by signing Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Close to £200million has been spent so far, but the United manager has invested the bulk of his transfer budget into his forward line alone.
Scoring goals was a huge struggle for United last season, but there are still question marks about the effectiveness of the midfield. The Red Devils were interested in a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, but have since pulled their interest after it became clear the Seagulls will not be selling him.
Looking at United's investment and the quality throughout the Premier League, the legendary midfielder admitted the middle of the park could be Amorim's biggest problem position. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes, when asked what he feels success would be for United, said: "It’s a tricky one after being so bad last year.
"Now seasons can change. We saw last year with Nottingham Forest, it doesn’t have to take five to 10 years to get back where you want to be.
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"Although it is looking better, I still think there are issues with the team. The midfield, I know we don’t want to go through it again.
"But, top six. I think top six would be more than acceptable. As much as you don’t want to say that, I always think Manchester United should aim for the very best and aim for the highest.
"I am just not sure. I think there are too many good teams now. I think Liverpool, Chelsea and City are all on the up. Arsenal [as well], I did not even mention Aston Villa, Newcastle. I think there is a lot of competition now to get top six."
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on August 15, 2025 in Manchester, England
Ruben Amorim has been trying to add to Manchester United's midfield
Reports from talkSPORT understand England and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has emerged as a transfer alternative to Baleba. However, Palace have previously indicated the ex-Blackburn Rovers star has a £100m price tag on his head.
At present, United will go into the campaign with Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as the most likely central midfield options. Ugarte didn't set the world alight in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, while Mainoo also found it difficult being one of two holding midfielders.
Moreover, there were also question marks about Casemiro's mobility given he is now 33 years old, while Fernandes' strengths are in his creativity and goal-scoring. However, if any of the midfielders could potentially grab hold of the United midfield, Scholes would like it to be Mainoo.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (8) celebrates with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (37) after scoring a goal during a match between Manchester United and West Ham United on July 26, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in the East Rutherford, New Jersey
Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes could be Amorim's go-to midfield duo
He added: "I think we spoke last year about, what they lack in the midfield is that controlling midfield player. I thought that was going to be him (Mainoo).
"It seems like it’s a little bit confused now. Can he be that midfielder again? Can he be that midfielder who can play in a two? He’ll obviously need a lot of legs around him. Or is he now one of the No. 10s? I’m just confused."