Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has joined the growing list of club icons expressing concern over Erik ten Hag’s recent transfer strategy, specifically highlighting the expensive signings of Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt. Scholes, reflecting on the current state of United’s squad, voiced his disappointment over the pair’s performances, suggesting that they haven’t fully adapted to Ten Hag’s style of play.
These two high-profile recruits, costing the club a total of £85 million, were expected to significantly bolster the team but have so far failed to meet the high expectations placed on them.
Scholes Questions Onana and De Ligt’s Influence
Both Onana and De Ligt are players Ten Hag knows well from his time at Ajax, where they were key figures in the club’s successful run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Their form during that period was instrumental in putting them on the radar of Europe’s top clubs, and Ten Hag clearly believed in their abilities to replicate that success at Manchester United. However, Scholes argues that their performances at Old Trafford have been far below the level required to make United genuine contenders in the Premier League and in Europe.
In a recent podcast, Scholes did not hold back in his criticism, stating: “Ten Hag wants to implement a very specific style of play at Manchester United, but players like Onana and De Ligt haven’t been able to execute it effectively. They seem to lack the confidence and understanding to play the ball out from the back and often revert to long passes under pressure.”
Onana’s Struggles Between the Sticks
Andre Onana, brought in as United’s new No. 1 goalkeeper, was seen as a key component in Ten Hag’s vision to modernize the team’s build-up play. Known for his ability to play with the ball at his feet, Onana had previously excelled in this role at Ajax and later at Inter Milan, where he helped lead the team to a Champions League final in 2023. However, since arriving at Manchester United, Onana has struggled to replicate this form, facing significant pressure from fans and pundits alike.
Scholes specifically noted that Onana’s arrival was supposed to revolutionize United’s style of play, but the execution on the pitch has been underwhelming. “We were expecting someone who could confidently play out from the back and initiate attacks, but Onana has looked uncomfortable in possession at times,” Scholes remarked. He also added that United’s attempt to emulate Manchester City’s build-up style under Pep Guardiola hasn’t worked out as planned, and Onana’s inconsistency is a big part of that issue.
While Onana’s distribution skills are still evident in certain matches, his tendency to make errors under pressure has raised doubts about his ability to thrive in the Premier League. Critics argue that, while adapting to a new league and style takes time, Onana’s learning curve appears to be steeper than anticipated. Despite these concerns, Ten Hag has continued to back his goalkeeper, believing that he will improve as the season progresses.
De Ligt’s Early Struggles
Matthijs de Ligt’s return to working with Ten Hag at Manchester United was seen as a homecoming of sorts. The Dutch defender had been one of the most highly-rated center-backs in Europe during his time at Ajax, where he captained the side to domestic and continental success. However, after a somewhat inconsistent spell at Juventus, De Ligt’s move to Manchester United was viewed as an opportunity for him to rekindle his best form.
Unfortunately, De Ligt’s start at Old Trafford has been anything but smooth. The 25-year-old defender has faced a barrage of criticism after several lackluster performances, including United’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. De Ligt struggled to keep pace with the intensity and physicality of the Premier League, and his decision-making has been called into question.
Scholes, along with many other United supporters, expected De Ligt to have a more commanding presence in the backline. “De Ligt was brought in to be the leader of United’s defense, but instead, he looks vulnerable. He isn’t playing with the same composure that made him a standout player at Ajax,” Scholes commented.
To add to his woes, De Ligt’s struggles extended to the international stage with the Netherlands. During the most recent international break, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman substituted De Ligt early in a game due to his costly errors, explaining that he needed to protect the player’s confidence. Koeman admitted, “I gave him another chance, but I had to take him off to protect him after his mistakes.”
Former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart also weighed in on De Ligt’s situation, expressing concern about the defender’s trajectory since leaving Ajax. “De Ligt hasn’t been the same player since moving to Juventus in 2019, but if anyone can help him rediscover his best form, it’s Ten Hag. He’s still young and has time to get back to his best,” Van der Vaart said, urging patience as De Ligt continues to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Can Ten Hag Revive His Stars?
Both Onana and De Ligt were signed by Manchester United to be pivotal players in Ten Hag’s system, but their early struggles have led to doubts about whether they can live up to the hefty price tags. Scholes, while critical of their impact, acknowledges that it’s still early in their United careers, and there is time for them to turn things around.
“Sometimes players need time to adjust to the pace and intensity of the Premier League,” Scholes said. “But the problem for United is that expectations are always high, and both Onana and De Ligt are expected to deliver right away.”
The pressure on these players is immense, especially with Manchester United fans eager to see the club return to the top of English and European football. As Ten Hag continues to implement his tactical philosophy, the hope is that both Onana and De Ligt will grow into their roles and start to perform consistently at the level expected of them.
With the international break now behind them, De Ligt is expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup for United’s upcoming matches, despite his shaky start. As for Onana, his position as United’s first-choice goalkeeper seems secure for now, but the need for improvement is undeniable. Ten Hag has shown faith in both players, and it remains to be seen whether they can repay that faith with stronger performances in the coming weeks.
The Road Ahead for Onana and De Ligt
As the season progresses, much of Manchester United’s success could hinge on how quickly Onana and De Ligt adapt to the Premier League. Both players have demonstrated their quality in the past, and if they can find their rhythm under Ten Hag, they could still play a key role in United’s pursuit of silverware. However, with the pressure mounting and expectations rising, the clock is ticking for these big-money signings to prove their worth at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping that both players can overcome their early-season struggles and start delivering performances worthy of their reputations. Whether that happens will likely determine not only their futures at Manchester United but also Ten Hag’s ability to bring his ambitious project at the club to fruition.