Man Utd: Nicol says defence look 'vulnerable' ahead of Villa
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United midfielders Fred and Andreas Pereira need to "improve massively" following their performances against Sheffield United last weekend. United were played off the park for 70 minutes at Bramall Lane last Sunday with Fred and Pereira forming a makeshift midfield two.
First-choice midfielders Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay were ruled out through injury leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bereft of options in the middle of the park.
The pair struggled against Chris Wilder’s side before a bizarre seven-minute spell put United 3-2 up.
The match ended in a draw as the Blades scored a last-minute equaliser but the lingering feeling among United fans was the disappointment at the performance.
Red Devils legend Scholes shared that melancholy and singled out Fred and Pereira as players who especially need to improve.
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“If they ever get the chance to play again together they are going to have to improve massively.”
Solskjaer may have some midfielders back at his disposal for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday with Pogba and McTominay nearing returns.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference after United’s 2-1 loss in Kazakhstan on Thursday night, the Norwegian tactician said: “We hope Scotty will be back as soon as possible.
“But he’s also been back home and I’ve not seen him. Maybe [he will be fit to face] Spurs [on December 4] but hopefully for Sunday.”
Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay could return for Man Utd on the weekend (Image: Getty)