As Ruben Amorim continues to scour the transfer market, Manchester United icon Paul Scholes pointed out the flaw which concerns him for the Red Devils and could cost them
Manchester United's midfield could scupper Ruben Amorim's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, according to Paul Scholes. The Red Devils have attacked the transfer window again this season by bringing in Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Nearly £200million has been forked out so far, but the United boss has pumped the majority of his transfer kitty into bolstering his attacking options. Finding the back of the net proved a massive headache for United last term, but doubts still remain over the midfield.
The Red Devils had shown interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, but have since cooled their pursuit after it became apparent the Seagulls won't be parting with him. Considering United's spending spree and the standard across the Premier League, Scholes confessed the engine room could prove to be Amorim's biggest headache.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes, when pressed on what he believes success would look like for United, said: "It's a tricky one after being so bad last year. Now seasons can change.
"We saw last year with Nottingham Forest, it doesn't have to take five to 10 years to get back where you want to be. Although it is looking better, I still think there are issues with the team. The midfield, I know we don't want to go through it again. But, top six. I think top six would be more than acceptable.
"As much as you don't want to say that, I always think Manchester United should aim for the very best and aim for the highest. I am just not sure. I think there are too many good teams now.
"I think Liverpool, Chelsea and City are all on the up. Arsenal [as well], I did not even mention Aston Villa, Newcastle. I think there is a lot of competition now to get top six."
According to talkSPORT, England and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has surfaced as a potential transfer target instead of Baleba. Nevertheless, Palace have previously suggested the former Blackburn Rovers ace carries a £100m valuation.
Currently, United are expected to enter the season with Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as their primary central midfield choices. Ugarte failed to make a significant impact during his first season at Old Trafford, whilst Mainoo also struggled when deployed as one of two defensive midfielders.
Furthermore, doubts remained over Casemiro's pace considering he has now reached 33 years of age, whilst Fernandes' assets lie in his creativity and finishing ability.
Nevertheless, should any of the midfielders manage to take command of United's engine room, Scholes would prefer it to be Mainoo. He added: "I think we spoke last year about, what they lack in the midfield is that controlling midfield player.
"I thought that was going to be him (Mainoo). It seems like it's a little bit confused now. Can he be that midfielder again? Can he be that midfielder who can play in a two? He'll obviously need a lot of legs around him. Or is he now one of the No. 10s? I'm just confused."