Paul Scholes Slams Manchester United Players After Derby Defeat to Manchester City

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has criticised the club’s players following their heavy 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City, insisting the squad—not manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics—is the root of the problem.

The Red Devils were comfortably outclassed at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, with Pep Guardiola’s side dominating from start to finish. City created chance after chance against a United team that looked disjointed and out of sorts, and the scoreline could have been even worse had the hosts been more clinical.

Scholes: "Forget the System"

Speaking on the new podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes didn’t hold back in his assessment of United’s poor start to the 2025/26 campaign.

"Forget the system. The players are just NOT at the level that Manchester United need. They’re not aggressive enough, they’re not quick enough, they’ve not got the legs in midfield.

They’re playing two in midfield, Bruno [Fernandes] in there, and he hasn’t got the legs to do it in a three, let alone a two."

"I've seen this before. We've seen this film, haven't we?" 😬

Gary Neville says he is worried about Ruben Amorim 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Q78iE6QZYz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 15, 2025

Scholes’ comments highlight growing concerns among fans and pundits that United’s problems stem from a lack of quality and intensity within the squad, rather than the tactical setup under new boss Amorim.

Chelsea Clash Up Next

United’s difficult run doesn’t get any easier. Amorim’s side now prepare to host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The Blues remain unbeaten this season, setting up another huge test for the struggling Red Devils.