Manchester United Can't Win Premier League With Current Center-Back Pair, Says Scholes

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes stated that the club will "never" win the Premier League with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as their primary center-backs. Scholes voiced his concerns following Manchester United's slow start to the Premier League season, which has seen them win only one of their opening six matches.

The team is currently 13th in the league standings, trailing leaders Manchester City by 12 points. Their recent 1-1 draw against Tottenham, where they conceded a late equalizer, highlighted defensive frailties, according to Scholes.

Speaking on "The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast," Scholes pointed to Martinez's role in Tottenham's stoppage-time goal as an example of the defense being "bullied." He described the physical duel between Martinez and Tottenham's Dominic Solanke as "criminal" and "beyond belief."

Scholes emphasized that defensive recruitment has been overlooked for several years, leaving Manchester United with the same center-back pairings. He argued that these players are not sufficient for a title challenge.

"We’ve had the same centre-halves now for two or three years and we know you’re not going to be successful with them. You’re never, ever going to win the Premier League with them," Scholes said.

He added, "Manchester United need a new back-four, they need a new back-four."

The team's defense is set to be tested further when they face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid is currently second in La Liga. Manchester United will be without left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for the upcoming fixture. Shaw's absence is particularly notable as the club did not sign cover at left-back during the summer transfer window.