Scholes Assessment: Manchester United’s 4-0 Defeat at Crystal Palace Critiqued, Two Players Under Fire
Manchester United hit another low after losing 4-0 to Crystal Palace on Monday night at Selhurst Park.
There is already a lot of pressure on Erik ten Hag’s shoulders due to questions about his future at the club, but you believe this latest defeat was the worst of the lot.
Paul Scholes was furious about what he saw and how Manchester United were’so easy to play against that it’s untrue’.
Yes, the European chasers were missing several key players, but that shouldn’t excuse the team’s poor performance, particularly on defence.
Crystal Palace scored two goals in each half, and the home team attempted 18 shots on goal. Ten of them were on target.
Due to injuries at centre-back, the experienced Casemiro was deployed at the heart of the defence, alongside another veteran, Jonny Evans.
The midfield featured teenager Kobbie Mainoo and playmaker Christian Eriksen, who played a much deeper role.
But Scholes admitted that Casemiro was a ‘tough watch’ and that he spent most of his time on his backside, with transfer target Michael Olise causing him many problems, as reported by Premier League Productions (06/05/24 at 9:55 pm).
Another player he singled out was Eriksen, who lacked the physicality to compete in the centre of the park.
However, the Treble winner under Sir Alex Ferguson did not mince words when he stated that certain players simply’shouldn’t be at the club’.
Casemiro horror show against Crystal Palace
“A very upsetting and sad performance,” said Scholes. “Even though there are a lot of players out who would probably start in the team. Five or six probably of the main ones. But it felt like one team had been coached and set up how to play. And one team that was so easy to play against that it’s untrue.
“There are still some good players in that Man United team and playing out on that pitch. You think of the likes of Casemiro. He’s tough to have a go at. What a player he has been over the years, but that was tough to watch, he was on his backside most of the time. People like Christian Eriksen as well. That physicality in the middle of the pitch has gone.
“I reckon that could have happened four or five times where Casemiro sits down and somebody skips past him. The lads not a centre-halve. It’s tough to have a bit of a pop at him. He has done so much for the game. A fantastic footballer. It’s difficult watching a few of these actually because I do feel they are towards the end. They shouldn’t be at a club of this stature really.”
Manchester United need a summer clearout.
It’s unclear whether ten Hag will continue in his role after this season. The FA Cup final against Manchester City will be huge.
One thing is certain: if Manchester United loses badly at Wembley Stadium, ten Hag will most likely be packing his own bags.
In any case, the majority of Manchester United’s squad should leave the club and pursue their careers elsewhere.
Far too many players have failed repeatedly under multiple managers, to the point where you no longer look towards the dugout.
Scholes Assessment: Manchester United’s 4-0 Defeat at Crystal Palace Critiqued, Two Players Under Fire
