Paul Scholes has questioned Manchester United’s centre-back options just days after AC Milan exposed Michael Carrick’s defence, potentially reopening a transfer debate the head coach appeared comfortable putting aside.
United have spent much of the summer prioritising central midfield and left-back rather than another centre-half.
That made sense when Carrick already had Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven available on paper.
The picture looks less comfortable heading into the Premier League season.
Paul Scholes sends Man Utd major defensive warning
Scholes believes United still require greater quality at centre-back if Carrick is expected to challenge for the biggest trophies.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, as reported by The Sun, the former United midfielder said the club “still need better centre halves”.
His concern is not simply about numbers.
Maguire and Martinez have both endured injury problems, while De Ligt has not played since suffering the back issue that eventually required surgery.
Manchester United’s official player profile confirms De Ligt underwent surgery in May after being sidelined since November.
Scholes actually believes the Dutchman could be United’s best defender when available.
The problem is availability.
AC Milan defeat changes Carrick’s transfer calculation
Carrick previously insisted central defence was not an area causing him major concern.
BBC Sport reported in April that Carrick remained happy with his centre-back group despite injuries forcing him to improvise during the run-in.
United have consequently concentrated their summer resources elsewhere.
Then came Milan.
Carrick’s side twice led their final pre-season friendly before conceding three unanswered second-half goals in a 4-2 defeat.
ReadManUtd highlighted three major concerns from that performance, with United’s defensive organisation chief among them.
One friendly should not dictate recruitment.
It can, however, expose the risk attached to an existing plan.
Man Utd may have one more position to consider
United already want another midfielder and left-back before the transfer window closes.
Adding centre-back to that list would stretch the club’s remaining resources considerably, particularly after Carrick publicly ruled out spending £100m on one player this summer.
There is also reason for patience.
Martinez has returned to action, Maguire remains an experienced Premier League defender and Yoro is still only 20.
But United are preparing for a season containing Premier League and Champions League football.
Relying on De Ligt returning smoothly from a long-term back problem while expecting every other defender to remain available would carry obvious risk.
Scholes’ comments therefore arrive at an awkward time for United.
Carrick may still decide his existing options are strong enough.
After conceding four in the final pre-season game, however, centre-back suddenly looks much harder to dismiss as someone else’s transfer problem.
