Paul Scholes Criticizes Manchester United Trio for Decline in Physical Fitness
Manchester, England – Paul Scholes, one of Manchester United’s most iconic midfielders, has launched a scathing critique of the club’s defenders and midfielders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Casemiro, questioning their ability to meet the intense physical demands of the Premier League.
In a frank assessment, Scholes expressed concerns over the trio’s athletic decline, which he believes is becoming a significant liability for a team that aspires to challenge for the highest honours in English football.
Scholes, who made 718 appearances for United between 1994 and 2013, is known for his no-nonsense opinions on the club’s current affairs. His comments, made ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming clash with Liverpool at Anfield, have sparked a fresh debate on the fitness levels of certain key players at the club.
A Decline in Athleticism: Scholes’ Concerns
Despite their past success, Scholes insists that Maguire, Shaw, and Casemiro no longer possess the strength, speed, or agility required at the highest level of English football. All three players have come under scrutiny in recent months, with injuries and a noticeable drop in form raising questions about their future at Old Trafford.
“Maguire, Shaw, and Casemiro – they were great players in their prime, but I think they’re struggling with the demands of the Premier League now,” Scholes said. “In today’s game, you need to be a machine. You need to be fast, strong, and able to cope with the pressure every single match.”
Scholes went on to elaborate that the modern Premier League demands a level of fitness and durability that some players, including those he once praised, can no longer provide. “The players in this league are absolute machines now. They run, they recover, they press—non-stop. And I don’t think those three can keep up anymore,” he added.
Casemiro’s Move to Manchester United: A Misstep?
The former midfielder didn’t hold back when discussing Manchester United’s signing of Brazilian international Casemiro. Scholes suggested that the club had made an error in bringing the 31-year-old from Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid don’t often sell their best players when they’re at their peak. When they let someone like Casemiro go, you have to wonder if they saw something that we missed,” Scholes remarked. “I just think he’s not the player he was, and that’s a huge concern for United.”
This view is echoed by former United teammate Nicky Butt, who also expressed doubts over the timing of Casemiro’s transfer. While Casemiro’s reputation at Madrid was stellar—winning five Champions League titles—his transition to Manchester United has been marked by inconsistent performances and ongoing fitness issues.
Fitness Woes: Shaw and Maguire’s Struggles
Scholes also pointed to Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire as prime examples of players who have failed to maintain their physical peak. Shaw, long regarded as one of the most talented left-backs in the Premier League, has battled with injuries throughout his career, and Scholes believes these physical struggles have begun to take a toll on his performances.
Maguire, meanwhile, continues to be a polarizing figure at United. Once hailed as one of the best defenders in English football, Maguire has faced intense criticism for his lack of pace and defensive lapses. His future at United remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that he is seeking a new contract amid growing doubts over his role in the team.
Both Shaw and Maguire have been linked with moves away from Old Trafford in the near future, and their fitness issues have only added fuel to the speculation.
Manchester United’s Fitness Concerns
As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming match against Liverpool, Scholes’ comments highlight the wider issue of player fitness that has plagued the club in recent seasons. Injuries have been a recurring problem for several United players, and the lack of intensity in key matches has been noticeable at times.
United, under manager Erik ten Hag, has worked hard to rejuvenate the squad with younger, more athletic players, but Scholes’ remarks suggest that there’s still a long way to go in terms of getting the team back to the top.
With the Premier League becoming increasingly competitive, where every team is investing heavily in fitness and athletic development, Scholes believes Manchester United must reconsider their approach to recruitment and player fitness. He emphasized that, in modern football, athleticism is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Looking Ahead: Can United Recover?
As Manchester United heads into a crucial run of fixtures, including their high-stakes match against rivals Liverpool, the club will be hoping that Maguire, Shaw, and Casemiro can prove Scholes wrong and regain their form. However, the pressure is mounting, and with Scholes’ criticism ringing in their ears, they will need to find a way to match the physical demands of the Premier League if they are to help United challenge for the top honours once again.
