Paul Scholes Slams Matthijs de Ligt, Says He’s No Upgrade on Harry Maguire
Scholes Not Sure About De Ligt’s Effects at Man Utd
Claiming the Dutch defender has not been an improvement over Harry Maguire, Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has attacked new acquisition Matthijs de Ligt De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in a move costing €45 million (£38m/$49m) plus €5m (£4m/$5m) in add-ons in the summer, hoping to strengthen the team’s defense.
Under Erik ten Hag, the 25-year-old has appeared in seven games overall since coming at Old Trafford. Earlier this month in United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton, he even started his Premier League goal account. Scholes has been underwhelming despite his frequent appearances, showing that De Ligt still has to prove his value.
Scholes’s perspective on de ligt against maguire
Scholes asked De Ligt in an interview with SuperSport (via The Standard) whether he stands above Maguire. You want guys you bring in to be much better than what you already have. I do not see players arriving that differ greatly. De Ligt visited Maguire, let’s say, but there’s not much difference there,” said the former midfielder.
Pressing on whether the Dutchman was an improvement over the former United captain, Scholes said frankly, “No, absolutely not.”
Scholes’s remarks draw attention to the ongoing criticism directed on United’s defensive performance and call into doubt if De Ligt has been the transforming signing many had in mind.
