Paul Scholes believes Ruben Amorim 'does not like his team' - 'Nowhere near the standard'

React to this story

Paul Scholes did not hold back when addressing Manchester United's struggles under Ruben Amorim. Andre Onana's two goalkeeping blunders ensured The Red Devils were denied a first-leg victory at the Groupama Stadium against Lyon. However, the focus of Scholes' criticism was on the attacking areas of the pitch, and he explained that Amorim does not have enough quality.

Highlights: Onana errors hand Lyon draw against Man Utd

Video credit: TNT Sports

Paul Scholes believes Ruben Amorim will demand improvement "all over the pitch" from Manchester United.

The legendary former Red Devils midfielder made the comments after Amorim’s post-match interview in the 2-2 draw with Lyon when he explained that his team are improving game by game.

However, Scholes took those comments with a pinch of salt and feels that the head coach is masking plenty of frustration.

Premier League

Carrick lauds 'fantastic' youngsters after Man Utd thrash Rosenborg

24/07/2026 at 22:00

"I don't think he believes that," Scholes told TNT Sports.

"I don't think he likes his team, to be honest. I think he knows he hasn't got a great team, and he knows he wants better.

"He needs better, and I think you can see that with the way he is on the touchline. He always looks disappointed and the way he's speaking there, tells me he's disappointed with what he's got and he needs better.

"Everyone knows he needs better if he's going to make Manchester United challenge where they want to be. It's all over the pitch."

One player who has seemingly been a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for United has been Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder provided a delightful assist for Joshua Zirkzee to head the visitors 2-1 ahead, and Scholes highlighted the importance of Fernandes to this team.

"It's a great ball from Fernandes. Fernandes in those forward areas; you almost need two Bruno Fernandes - one in centre midfield and one as a number 10.

"It's a great ball from him and a great header from Zirkzee."

Speaking more generally, Scholes explained that the process for improvement could take "two or three years", but says that some confidence can be taken from the side’s defensive resoluteness in recent weeks.

"I think he can be quite pleased defensively; they looked quite tight, quite solid recently, but that's taking away that goal threat they should have, and that quality around the pitch isn't quite there.

"I don't think they have control in the middle of the pitch, I don't think the forwards' quality is quite there. Look, he knows, he's not stupid. He's never going to say it, but he doesn't like this football team and that's something I take away from that.

"The impression I get is that this team is nowhere near the standard he wants and he expects. He'll be looking over the next - which could take two or three years - to get something much better, a lot more enjoyable to watch, and a lot more quality in every area of the football pitch. That's what he'll strive for."

Stream the 2024/25 Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers