Paul Scholes slams Glazers for Manchester United’s decline: ‘The only thing world class is the history’
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has slammed the Glazer family for the club’s decline, saying: ‘The only thing world class at the club is the history.’ The Red Devils have declined heavily since the American family bought the club in 2005, with the side no longer a dominant force on the pitch, while their facilities pale massively in comparison to their rivals in England and beyond.
However, Scholes is hopeful that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of the club can revive their fortunes. Ratcliffe is set to buy a 25% minority stake for around £1.5billion, which will see him largely take control of the club’s football operations.
Discussing Ratcliffe’s impending arrival, Scholes told TNT Sports: ‘He’s got a lot do. This is a world class football club but it’s not behaving like it, it’s not performing like it. From the first-team to the youth teams. I watched the U19s today – they got beaten by Copenhagen. It’s not right.’
What needs to be done?
Scholes believes Ratcliffe needs to make sweeping changes to the club in order to revive their fortunes. He said: ‘They’re underperforming in every single area. I love this stadium but it needs renovations. The training ground probably is not up to standard either. The only thing world class about this football club right now is the history. He [Ratcliffe] needs to get some new people, new staff, new players right through the club to make new history for the club.’
The former United midfielder believes that Ratcliffe’s 25% stake could be a stepping stone for him taking full control of the club, something fans are desperate to see happen. He added: ‘But the fans won’t be happy. The fans don’t want the Glazers here. I reckon that 25% is eventually just a stepping stone for him taking control of the club.’
Erik ten Hag’s future
There have been rumours that should United’s poor start to the season continue, Ratcliffe could look to replace current manager Erik ten Hag, but Scholes still has faith in him. He said: ‘I think he’s the right man for the job. I like him. He’s almost been thrown out the lions, left on his own to defend everything.’
Conclusion
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a huge job ahead of him if he is to revive Manchester United’s fortunes and return them to their former glory days. Paul Scholes believes he needs to make sweeping changes throughout the club and bring in new people, staff and players if they are to make new history. Only time will tell if Ratcliffe can do what he sets out to do and restore Manchester United to their former glory.