Paul Scholes Names Nine Man Utd Players He’d Sell This Summer
Paul Scholes has laid out a blunt summer transfer plan for Manchester United, identifying nine players he would sell if he were in charge of squad decisions. Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the United legend didn’t hold back—highlighting who he sees as surplus to requirements as the club aims to rebuild under new manager Michael Carrick.
United are on track for Champions League qualification after a strong run under Carrick, but Scholes believes major squad surgery is still needed—especially with Casemiro set to leave at season’s end. His verdicts mix pragmatism with high expectations: even popular or once-critical players aren’t safe if they don’t fit his vision for a title-challenging side.
Centre-Back Conundrum: Maguire vs. De Ligt
Scholes faced a tough call between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. While praising Maguire’s resurgence—calling him “sensational” and saying he’s “brought himself back from the dead”—he ultimately leaned toward keeping De Ligt. Age, pace, and long-term potential tipped the scales, even though both are seen as similar profiles. Lisandro Martínez got a reprieve (“I’d probably just keep him”), despite doubts about his physicality for a top-tier title race.
Leny Yoro, however, didn’t make the cut. Scholes admitted there’s “something in there” but said if forced to decide now, he’d sell the young French defender due to inconsistent performances.
Full-Backs and Squad Depth Under Scrutiny
At full-back, opinions diverged sharply:
- Diogo Dalot: Keep—he’s viewed as a reliable squad player.
- Noussair Mazraoui: Sell—Scholes questioned his role, noting United no longer play three centre-backs, leaving him without a natural position.
- Patrick Dorgu: Sell—the Danish youngster, signed as a wing-back, hasn’t shown enough to justify keeping.
- Luke Shaw: Sell—despite calling him the best left-back in the world during his peak, Scholes cited chronic injury issues: “He doesn’t play enough games.”
This reflects a clear priority: United need dependable, available defenders—not just talented ones who spend half the season sidelined.
Midfield Makeover Ahead
With Casemiro departing, midfield is a focal point. Scholes agreed it’s “right” for the Brazilian to go but stressed United “need strengthening in that position massively.” Beyond that:
- Mason Mount: Would be sold. Scholes likes him personally but sees no path to consistent minutes ahead of Bruno Fernandes or in another role.
- Manuel Ugarte: Expected to leave.
- Kobbie Mainoo: A definite keeper—seen as part of the future.
- Bruno Fernandes: Untouchable. Called a “player of the year” candidate despite United’s poor first half of the season.
Attack: Mostly Safe, One Outlier
Up front, Scholes’ list was surprisingly lenient. He endorsed keeping Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško—all seen as having roles in a competitive attack. The only forward marked for exit? Joshua Zirkzee, though specific reasoning wasn’t detailed.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Scholes would sell nine Man Utd players this summer, including Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Noussair Mazraoui.
- He supports keeping Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo as core pieces for the rebuild.
- Among centre-backs, he slightly prefers De Ligt over Maguire long-term but would retain Martínez.
- Full-back depth is a concern—only Dalot gets a clear “keep” vote.
- Casemiro’s departure opens the door for major midfield investment, which Scholes says is essential.
Scholes’ assessment isn’t just about form—it’s about building a squad capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League. That means cutting emotional ties, prioritizing availability, and demanding elite physical and tactical standards. Whether United’s actual hierarchy agrees remains to be seen, but his list offers a stark blueprint for what a true reset might look like.
— Editorial Team
