Scholes, Butt Warn Haaland Could Be Key to Man United’s Defeat
Former Manchester United stars Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have raised concerns about their old club’s defensive capabilities ahead of a pivotal derby against Manchester City. The match is set to take place at Old Trafford this Saturday afternoon.
Concerns Over Manchester United’s Defense
As the newly appointed interim manager, Michael Carrick, prepares for his first match, the challenges ahead are evident. Scholes and Butt both believe that United’s defense may struggle to contain Erling Haaland, who has been in remarkable form this season.
Haaland’s Threat
- Haaland has scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season.
- He is expected to exploit weaknesses in United’s defense, particularly targeting Lisandro Martinez.
In a discussion on “The Good, The Bad and The Football,” Butt commented on the tactical shifts within United’s gameplay. He mentioned that the team lacks the necessary pace upfront, which hindered their previous effectiveness in counterattacks against City.
Butt elaborated, saying, “I always liked how they played against City, especially with Rashford’s speed on counterattacks. We don’t have that pace anymore.”
Possible Changes in the Defense
When discussing potential defensive strategies, Scholes questioned who could effectively neutralize Haaland’s impact. Butt speculated about the inclusion of Harry Maguire, suggesting that immediate changes might be necessary to fortify the defense against such a formidable opponent.
With Martinez already experiencing pressure in prior matches, the consensus among the former players is clear: containing Haaland will be a significant challenge for Manchester United this Saturday.
