Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has dropped his early verdict on one Erik ten Hag signing in the summer after Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag oversaw a significant revamp to his Manchester United squad at the end of last season, including the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee in July.
The 54-year-old United boss was also reunited with two more former Ajax players after Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui were signed from Bayern Munich.
Manuel Ugarte was a key target for the Red Devils in the summer window and United signed the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder on deadline day.
Ten Hag has seen several players make their exit from Old Trafford this summer, including the sales of Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood.
Despite the additional reinforcement to his first-team squad, Red Devils boss Ten Hag has experienced a tough start to the season with United.
The Red Devils lost in the Community Shield to Manchester City last month before bouncing back with a 1-0 win over Fulham in their Premier League opener.
However, United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex before Liverpool inflicted a damning 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Scholes on Man Utd summer signing
Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, Paul Scholes opened up on what Manuel Ugarte could bring to the underwhelming United midfield this season.
Casemiro has played alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the heart of midfield and the 32-year-old former Real Madrid star only managed 45 minutes against Liverpool.
The Brazil midfielder was at fault on both occasions in Luis Diaz’s first-half brace and Erik ten Hag was forced to withdraw Casemiro ahead of the second half.
Ugarte was unveiled in front of the United fans ahead of the Liverpool match, but the 23-year-old defensive midfielder was not part of the squad for the clash.
“He’s going to have to be some player,” Scholes said, as per the Metro.
“But he does play the position well. I don’t think he’ll vacate that area as much as we’ve seen, a bit more discipline, he’ll plug the gaps, I hope, that’s going to be his role.
“I don’t think he’s going to be the greatest of playmakers – I don’t think you’re looking at a Toni Kroos.”
Scholes talks Ugarte and Man Utd
Ugarte did not stay for the match against Liverpool and left Old Trafford to link up with his Uruguay teammates for the September international break.
Scholes has warned that the Uruguay international will have to “be some player” to have a transformative impact on the United team, but he “can’t see it” happening.
“He [Ten Hag] needs discipline in there, he’s obviously seen that already,” he continued.
“Casemiro, okay, not great legs. I don’t think Mainoo as an athlete is that great. He relies more on his manipulation of the ball and his quality on the ball.
“Ugarte has got to be everything. He’s going to have to be some player to make this team better, it’s a bit job on his hands and I just can’t see it.”
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