Man Utd legend Paul Scholes disagrees with Erik ten Hag despite Real Betis win

Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, believes Bruno Fernandes should not be named captain of his old club. On Thursday night, the playmaker helped the Red Devils to a 4-1 triumph in the Europa League Round of 16, but Scholes is still not sure of his qualifications for the post.

Erik ten Hag decided to stick with the same team that was thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool, expecting that the nature of the setback would elicit a strong reaction. And the Dutchman reaped the benefits of his selection, with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Fernandes, and Wout Weghorst all scoring in the first leg.

There were certainly traces of uncertainty in the performance, but important players have now taken a huge step forward with the win, which should allow them to finally put the Liverpool mauling behind them and keep their season from being derailed.

Scholes, on the other hand, believes that there is still work to be done at Old Trafford, beginning with removing Fernandes from vice-captaincy when Harry Maguire is unavailable. The former Sporting star was chastised for his performance against Liverpool last weekend, crashing into unnecessary challenges and being unwilling to track back.

Ten Hag, though, has stated unequivocally that he will support the 28-year-old, much to Scholes’ dismay. “Your captain has to be an influence, leader, calm character,” the former England international told BT Sports. If United, March, and April are going for the title, I’d be concerned – I don’t think having him as your captain would be great.

“He’s only vice-captain right now because Maguire isn’t playing. In the future, when it comes to larger games, trophies, and Champions League finals, a captain with less emotion may be preferable.”

Maguire is United’s club captain, but he has dropped down the pecking order and rarely plays, therefore Fernandes frequently wears the armband.

Although his manager hinted that he was aware of his No. 18’s temper, he insisted in his pre-match press conference that Fernandes was the right vice-captain.

“I think he’s having a fantastic season, and he’s played a significant part in us getting to where we are,” he remarked. Everyone makes errors, and we all learn from them. I must learn, and he must as well. Everyone makes errors; no one is flawless. He is well-educated. I’m delighted he’s our player and captain when Harry (Maguire) is out.”