Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof make the former English center-back “fear for his life” in certain situations
Manchester United legends Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes don’t believe the club has a defense that allows them to win big trophies.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team got off to a promising start in the Champions League, winning against Paris Saint-Germain and against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. However, according to two players who have won in the past, they are not considered challengers for the crown.
At the heart of the Red Devils’ defense is what they identify as a problem, largely because they are not imposing enough.
“Is it good enough? I would probably say no if you are trying to win the top competitions, ”said Ferdinand BT Sport. “Yes, they had a good defensive record last season but I only see moments in games when they are opened. Sometimes they are dominated physically, especially in terms of pace, especially when their protection is not up to expectations it should be when the game opens up a little.
“When the game opens and you stand on the middle line and play one on one or two on two, I fear for my life in this situation. When the team form is in order and everything is set up correctly, they look good. “
Scholes echoed the former England center-back’s thoughts, saying that the current number of United defenders would only be capable of being well shielded by the midfielders from them.
“When they have both [Fred and Scott McTominay] they look different in front of them, ”he said.
“You’re a defense attorney for a reason, you should be one on one okay. Sometimes it can take away the attacking side of the team that it has done in the last couple of games, especially against Chelsea on Saturday. Fred and McTominay definitely made them better players, and they’ll prefer that. “
While United got off to a strong start in Europe, they weren’t that convincing domestically, finishing 15th in the early Premier League standings with just a few wins. They face Arsenal at home on Sunday as they double headed against Istanbul Basaksehir in their next Champions League game.
.
