Scholes: Carrick must be disappointed with the summer window, Manchester United’s defensive issues are obvious

Manchester United legends Scholes and Butt commented on the club’s summer transfer window. They believe Carrick must be disappointed with the window, saying Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings are obvious. The current back line has not received targeted reinforcements for many years, and its quality has consistently failed to meet expectations. It is also unclear whether the new midfield signings can succeed; these players have potential, but the outcome is unknown.

“I think Michael is somewhat disappointed with the transfer operations.”

“Yes, he definitely will be.”

“But he would never publicly express that kind of emotion, you know. I think that is also part of the reason why Michael remains at this club. He is restrained, understands his position, and knows who his superiors in the management are. He will not publicly fall out with them. I am certain this kind of dissatisfaction would only appear in closed-door meetings.”

“But he must be disappointed internally. In my view, the lack of defensive quality in the team is already obvious. Yes, Manchester United will continue to concede goals.”

You mentioned the recruitment strategy before as well. They have been strengthening the squad position by position in stages. Last year they did an excellent job with their forward recruitment, and this year the focus was on the midfield. However, it is still unclear whether the new midfield signings can perform; these players have potential, but the outcome is unknown.

This includes Santos, the player signed from Chelsea, as well as Tielemans. We still do not know what level they can reach.

If the two players can develop a good partnership, they may be able to help the team defensively. However, the back four has not been rebuilt at all. This defensive unit has lacked targeted reinforcements for many years, and its quality has consistently failed to meet expectations.

“So how can you expect the defense to automatically improve? I don’t know. I hope that next summer, if Michael is still in charge and the team has a decent record this season, they will have to build a completely new defense for the following season. In my opinion, they need to completely replace the defensive unit.”

“But the club has its own plans. Over the past three or four transfer windows, they have prioritized improving the attacking and midfield areas. This is almost an indirect acceptance that they will not challenge for the title this season.”

“There is nothing wrong with the club having a long-term plan. But if the team keeps losing and drops to eighth, ninth, or tenth place, Michael will be the one who gets dismissed.”

“That being said, we should not draw conclusions too early. They have only played three or four league matches so far. Everything is still unknown, including who will win the league title and which teams will struggle.”

“But as a Manchester United fan, your feeling is: we have not truly reached the level we should be at yet.”