Paul Scholes slams Manchester United trio after Marcos Alonso opener

While it’s a good result away from home, Manchester United drew tonight’s game against Barcelona because they conceded two sloppy goals.

Both were avoidable and that’s why the game – to some fans – may feel like a loss. It tells you how quick we are progressing under Erik ten Hag and that is without going into the details on how United were able to match Barcelona in every department across the pitch.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes three Manchester United players were culpable for Marcos Alonso’s opening goal in their four-goal Europa League thriller.

DEADLOCK BROKEN!

Former Chelsea man Marcos Alonso puts Barcelona ahead #UEL pic.twitter.com/dJi3OXWdpp

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2023

Footage courtesy of BT Sport

Along with Owen Hargreaves, Scholes was critical of left-back Tyrell Malacia after Barca’s opener because he lost the former Chelsea man at the back post.

Scholes also hit out at Fred for not providing support for his teammate and questioned David de Gea’s goalkeeping after being beaten at his near post.

“When you look at the first goal it is Malacia who doesn’t pick up Alonso, he lets him free, really,” Scholes told BT Sport, as quoted by The Metro.

“It is only a basic bit of movement from Alonso that loses him too. Fred as well, probably didn’t challenge as well as he could.

“It is a basic bit of movement from Alonso and Malacia doesn’t stay with him.

“I also think the goalkeeper should do better, it goes in quite easily at that near post. David looks a little bit worried about colliding with the post.

“But Malacia there, he has to stay with him and when he doesn’t, Fred has to cover, ‘my mate has made a mistake, I’ve got to cover for him’. But he doesn’t do that.”

All criticisms are fair, it has to be said. United cannot afford to concede sloppy goals in the return leg at Old Trafford or else they will be knocked out of the competition.

Hargreaves added that Ten Hag will be disappointed with United’s defending from set pieces.

“Whether it is the Champions League or Europa League, the margins are so fine. If you are given a job you have to do it. I think Erik ten Hag will be disappointed.”

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