🔥🏟️Paul Scholes performs major u-turn on Man Utd player and admits he got it wrong after Liverpool game

Paul Scholes performs major u-turn on Man Utd player and admits he got it wrong after Liverpool game

Updated 09:53 6 Jan 2025 GMT

Published 09:48 6 Jan 2025 GMT

Paul Scholes performs major u-turn on Man Utd player and admits he got it wrong after Liverpool game

He was “surprised” by his performance.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Paul Scholes has admitted he was “surprised” by one of Manchester United’s standout performers during their entertaining 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The former United midfielder was on punditry duty as Liverpool missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League following a spirited performance from Ruben Amorim’s men.

After a superb strike from Lisandro Martinez gave the visitors a surprise lead, goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in the driving seat with 20 minutes remaining at Anfield.

But the in-form Amad Diallo earned United a well-earned point in what was arguably their best performance of the season so far.

After the full-time whistle, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes were singled out for their performances against Arne Slot’s side, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui performed admirably at wing-back.

Manuel Ugarte also received a huge amount of plaudits, including from Paul Scholes, who previously expressed his “concern” over the signing of Uruguay’s number 25.

Speaking back in September after United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, Scholes said: “He [Ugarte] is going to have to be some player. I think he will play the position well, he’s still 23, he’s had a few clubs which slightly concerns you.”

But on Sunday night, Scholes was full of praise for the 23-year-old, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in August for an initial of £42.2 million.

“He’s probably done better than I thought he would do,” the former England international told Premier League Productions. “He [Amorim] said before that Ugarte did well for him at Sporting Lisbon, as a really young player as well so he knows him.

“This lad is really growing in confidence. I thought he took up some great positions, he helped defensively, he helped with the attack and I thought he had the composure to take the ball as well.

“It looks to me like it has to be him with another.”

Ugarte impressed against Liverpool. Image credit: Getty

Ugarte impressed against Liverpool. Image credit: Getty

Scholes went on to suggest Ugarte’s perfect midfield partner in the coming weeks and months.

“I think [Kobbie] Mainoo would be the best one once he’s right, once he’s playing and his fitness is better,” he added.

“Partnerships all over the pitch are important and you look at Manchester United, you don’t really see any partnerships, you don’t see links between players, you don’t see a link between a midfielder and a forward.

“Ugarte and another one are more than capable of playing for that team. And not just Ugarte for his legs… I even think his quality on the ball, it surprised me a little bit because I did see a bit of him at PSG.”

Thoughts on Ugarte’s performance against Liverpool? Let us know in the comments.