Paul Scholes believes Manchester United still need to strengthen their defensive foundations before they can seriously challenge for the Premier League title, with the former midfielder admitting the “jury is still out” on goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge in 2012/13. Michael Carrick is now tasked with trying to close that gap after earning the permanent managerial position following last season’s third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The club have gradually reshaped their squad, strengthening their attack before focusing heavily on midfield during the most recent summer transfer window.
Scholes believes defence could be the next area addressed as United continue their rebuild.
Scholes Questions Whether Lammens Is Top Class
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes suggested United's recruitment has been conducted in stages.
“I think they’re doing it in sections, that’s what it looks like,” Scholes said.
“They sorted the forwards out last year and the forwards look alright. They still probably need a top class centre-forward, I’m not sure how much confidence they have in Sesko, although I think he has got better.
“It looks like they did the midfield this year and it feels like the defence will probably come next year.”
One position Scholes believes will be crucial is goalkeeper.
Lammens has established himself as United's first choice since arriving last summer and has represented an upgrade on Andre Onana. However, Scholes is not yet convinced the Belgian has proven he belongs alongside the Premier League's elite goalkeepers.
“What team have you seen win the Premier League without a top class goalkeeper?” Scholes asked.
“Lammens might be that, I don’t know, I think the jury’s probably still out on that.”
Arsenal and Liverpool Provide the Blueprint
Scholes pointed towards Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool when explaining the importance of having an elite goalkeeper and defensive unit.
He highlighted David Raya and Alisson as modern examples, while also referencing United legends Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
“The way Arsenal started three or four years ago, defensively they have been absolutely brilliant,” he said.
“You need a top class goalkeeper. You think of Liverpool’s team with Alisson, City’s teams, Raya at Arsenal. Man United with Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
“They’ve all got brilliant, brilliant goalkeepers. You start from the back, of course you do.”
For Carrick, the challenge is therefore not simply improving United's attacking output. Scholes believes creating a championship-level defence and establishing whether Lammens can become an elite goalkeeper will be fundamental to taking the next step.
Key Points
- Paul Scholes believes Manchester United's next major rebuilding job should focus on the defence.
- He says the “jury is still out” on whether Senne Lammens is a title-winning calibre goalkeeper.
- Scholes believes United may also eventually need another top-class centre-forward despite Benjamin Sesko's improvement.
- He pointed to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City's defensive foundations as the standard United must reach.
- United are attempting to build on last season's third-place finish under Michael Carrick.
What’s Next?
United's immediate priority will be improving results after an underwhelming opening to the season, but Scholes' comments highlight a longer-term question for Carrick and the club's recruitment team.
Lammens now has the opportunity to prove he can develop into the goalkeeper United need rather than forcing the club back into the transfer market. If United are serious about eventually challenging Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title, Scholes believes building an elite defensive platform must be the next stage of their rebuild.
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