Paul Scholes Criticises Erik ten Hag for Not Utilising Manchester United Squad Enough
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has criticised the team’s manager, Erik ten Hag, for not utilising his squad enough. The Dutch tactician made three changes to the team as the Red Devils took on Everton at Old Trafford, winning 2-0. However, Scholes believes that ten Hag should have rotated more during the season.
Ten Hag has used 28 players this season, as United went on to League Cup success and are in the Champions League places in the league. Harry Maguire was one of three changes the ex-Ajax coach made, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka given the nod at right-back and Tyrell Malacia replacing the injured Luke Shaw on the opposite defensive flank.
Scholes told BT Sport: “Something I don’t think Ten Hag has done is use his squad enough. When players have come into a game they’ve really struggled at first to pick up the pace a bit and there’s a few of those positions – Malacia at left-back.”
“Maguire’s got experience, I think it’s a decent game for him to come into today. It’s not easy when you’re coming in, Harry just has to make sure he’s prepared properly and he’s training properly. He looks the type of lad who will be doing that and he’s played for England, but coming to Manchester United, coming to the Premier League, it’s slightly different, he’ll be tested more, but I expect him to deal with it.”
Manchester United made light work of Everton – thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial. Yet it wasn’t all roses for manager Ten Hag, as Marcus Rashford limped off with ten minutes to go, casting doubts on him making Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sevilla.
In conclusion, Scholes believes that ten Hag should have rotated more during the season to give the players more opportunities to play and get used to the pace of the game. However, Manchester United’s win against Everton shows that the team is still strong and capable of winning games.