Paul Scholes Casts Doubt on Manchester United’s £43 Million Signing After Costly Defeat to Wolves
After Manchester United’s alarming 3–1 loss at Old Trafford to Wolverhampton Wanderers, club icon Paul Scholes has voiced strong concerns about one of the team’s most recent big-money recruits.
The former midfield maestro, now a pundit, gave a brutally honest assessment during the post-match broadcast, openly questioning whether the club’s hefty investment in the £43 million signing was a wise decision.
During the televised analysis, Scholes expressed disbelief over the player’s contribution since joining the club, making it clear that the performance against Wolves did nothing to convince him that the new signing was worth the fee United paid.
Although Scholes initially avoided naming the player outright, it soon became clear his frustration was pointed squarely at the individual purchased as a replacement for a previously influential member of the squad.
“I genuinely don’t understand why we signed him,” Scholes said sharply. “With displays like this, he hasn’t shown anything that suggests he belongs at Manchester United—never mind being worth over £40 million.
It’s not just about the price tag; it’s about impact, and right now, he offers almost none.”
The ex-England midfielder went even further, stressing that the player signed to fill the role has fallen far short of the standard set by his predecessor.
Scholes argued that instead of strengthening that area of the pitch, United may have weakened it.
“He’s nowhere near the level of the player he was meant to replace,” Scholes continued. “Say whatever you want about that former player, but he brought reliability. With this new lad, I see no creativity, no improvement, no influence whatsoever.”
United’s supporters instantly connected Scholes’ remarks to the club’s recent £43 million arrival believed to be someone brought in to reinforce the midfield or defensive structure, two departments that have faced intense criticism throughout the season.
The price point alone has narrowed down the possible names, fueling heated speculation online and growing dissatisfaction among fans.
Many supporters echoed Scholes’ sentiments on social media, questioning whether the purchase was driven more by hype than tactical necessity.
Concerns continue to mount regarding the club’s recruitment strategy and its inability to consistently bring in players who deliver immediate and meaningful contributions.
The defeat to Wolves sparked this wave of disapproval. The visitors, historically uncomfortable at Old Trafford, played with authority and confidence, exploiting United’s lack of organization and focus.
Defensive mistakes, poor movement in midfield, and wasteful attacking sequences defined a miserable night for the Red Devils.
Wolves punished United’s frailties at every opportunity, and by the final whistle, the frustration inside the stadium was unmistakable.
Boos echoed from the stands as fans watched yet another concerning display in what has been a highly inconsistent season.
Whether under Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim—depending on recent managerial developments—the team still appears far from stability.
Although Scholes’ assessment came across as severe, it reflects a deeper anxiety among supporters about the club’s direction and transfer policy.
With Premier League competitors making smarter and more effective signings, United’s repeated missteps in the market continue to draw criticism.
Now, all eyes will be on the £43 million player who finds himself at the center of this debate. The pressure to deliver, already heavy due to the fee and expectations, has now intensified dramatically.
Whether he uses this moment as motivation to silence critics—or whether the scrutiny worsens his performance—remains a critical question for the weeks ahead.
