Paul Scholes questions one Man United player and believes he may have lost his pace

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that one United player has lost his pace following a poor display.

The Red Devils are on the brink of elimination, one more defeat against Galatasaray in Turkey would definitely condemn Manchester United to either Europa League football or no European football in the new year.

A Marcus Rashford red card compounded what has been a tough week for the Englishman but Erik ten Hag’s side seemingly wrestled back control of the contest.

However, a late flurry of goals swung the tie back in Copenhagen’s favour. They are staring precariously down the barrel of another Champions League exit.

Scholes criticises Raphael Varane

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Paul Scholes questioned United defender Raphael Varane, who looked shaky at times in Parken.

“Slightly [surprised by the selection], especially because he brought Varane into the team – Jonny was a free transfer,” Scholes said. “I think whichever centre-back he plays, I think they have to play counter-attacking football because none of them are that quick.

“Varane was quick and now, is he losing his legs a little bit? They have to rely on that pace a little bit.”

Varane’s struggles

It’s been a bizarre season for United, the players they relied on last season now look a shadow of their former selves whilst others, like Lisandro Martinez, have been injury-stricken throughout the season.

Varane is an odd case. The Frenchman did not feature in the Manchester derby defeat and that decision was made by Ten Hag due to tactical reasons according to the Dutchman.

However, Jonny Evans starting over Varane is surely not tactical and the Frenchman is certainly match fit, so this begs the question, has something happened behind the scenes?

That scenario is pure speculation at the moment but the pair hardly looked at each other when the Frenchman was brought on, things don’t seem to be rosy in the garden at Old Trafford.

Despite Scholes’ belief, Varane’s pace has certainly not, yet, eluded him – he’s been just as good as last season for multiple games for the Red Devils.