Paul Scholes has backed against a Manchester United target, claiming Matheus Fernandes is more likely to be a “miss” than a “hit” this season.
The player had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford before eventually completing his switch to North London. Manchester United instead strengthened their midfield with Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
With Matheus Fernandes now facing a fresh challenge elsewhere, Paul Scholes was asked to predict whether he would prove to be a hit or miss this term.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, the former United midfielder said: “I think I am going to say miss with this one.
“Do you know what? I have not seen an awful lot of him, so I am guessing a little bit.
“I don’t think [he will be a hit], as I have not seen his name in the first few weeks of the season, and I think he did get actually relegated the last two years. I am not saying that’s his fault, but he was part of Southampton and West Ham. So twice in two years, he has been relegated.
“I am going to say miss on that one.”
Scholes explains his Fernandes prediction
The former United midfielder was also open about the fact that his judgement is partly based on limited viewing of the player.
His main concern appears to be the circumstances surrounding Fernandes’ recent seasons. Being part of two relegated teams in consecutive campaigns has clearly influenced Scholes’ prediction, although he stressed that he was not blaming the midfielder personally for either relegation.
United ultimately chose a different route in midfield during the transfer window, spending heavily on Santos, Baleba and Tielemans.
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