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

The former Manchester United midfielder provided punditry as Liverpool missed the opportunity to extend their lead to eight points at the top of the Premier League, following an impressive showing from Ruben Amorim’s team.

Lisandro Martínez opened the scoring for the visitors with a stunning strike, but Liverpool responded with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, putting them in control with 20 minutes left at Anfield. However, an in-form Amad Diallo secured a point for United in what was arguably their most impressive performance of the season.

Post-match, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes were highlighted for their standout performances against Arne Slot’s side. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui also earned recognition for their contributions at wing-back.

Manuel Ugarte received significant praise, including from Paul Scholes, who had previously expressed “concern” about the signing of Uruguay’s number 25. After United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool in September, Scholes remarked, *“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.”*

On Sunday night, Scholes praised the 23-year-old, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in August for an initial fee of £42.2 million.

*“He’s probably done better than I thought he would do,”* Scholes said on 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.”*

Scholes also suggested the ideal midfield partner for Ugarte moving forward.

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

*“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.”*

What are your thoughts on Ugarte’s performance against Liverpool? Let us know in the comments.