Paul Scholes Slams Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure after a poor start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, despite heavy investment in the summer transfer window.

United have won just one of their opening four league games and suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup first-round exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town. The disappointing run continued with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby, further raising doubts about Amorim’s suitability for the job.

Ruben Amorim’s Struggles at Manchester United

Amorim’s record has left fans frustrated, with his win percentage now the worst of any permanent United manager since World War II. That’s despite the club bringing in big names such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens over the summer.

With patience wearing thin at Old Trafford, former United midfielder Paul Scholes has delivered a damning verdict on the squad’s shortcomings.

Paul Scholes: “United Lack Real Athletes”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible, Scholes dismissed suggestions that Amorim’s system was to blame for the derby humiliation, instead questioning the quality of some of United’s players.

"I don't think the system was the problem against Manchester City. It's more the personnel. United lack real athletes," he said before singling out Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. "In the Premier League, you almost have to be like a machine to survive, and we've got people like Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw."

Scholes went on to argue that while the pair can cope in most matches, they fall short when it matters most.

"They are not at the level. In 85 to 90 percent of games, they will probably cope with people, but when you come to the bigger games, against City, Liverpool and Arsenal, they are going to fall short."

Injury Concerns Over Luke Shaw

The former United star also raised concerns about Luke Shaw’s injury record, suggesting it has prevented him from reaching his true potential.

"You think of the injuries Shaw has had. He must have the body of a 40-year-old man because he's had that many injuries and missed that much football," Scholes said before adding: "If he'd stayed fit, he could've been the best left-back in the world."