“I didn’t see it working” - Paul Scholes blasts Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag over costly decision in draw against Fenerbahce 

Paul Scholes has slammed Erik ten Hag for playing Noussair Mazraoui as a No.10 in Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (October 24). The Red Devils traveled to Istanbul this week after securing a 2-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League last weekend (October 19).

Ten Hag's starting XI against Fenerbahce saw four changes from the one he fielded against the Bees. Victor Lindelof replaced Jonny Evans, who suffered a knock in the Brentford match, while Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee started in place of Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, respectively.

Ten Hag surprisingly deployed Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui as an attacking midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes sidelined due to a suspension after his red card against Porto on October 3.

The Dutch boss' tactical changes did not sit well with Scholes, who was in disbelief after seeing Mazaroui in the new role. He said on TNT Sports (via The Mirror):

“I didn’t see it working before the game, I didn’t see it working during the game, and I don’t see it working after the game.”

The former Manchester United midfielder added:

“Play Casemiro, play Eriksen further forward, play Hojlund! He’s in a period where he needs to win games. Play your best players!"

Christian Eriksen scored the opener in the first half (15') before Jose Mourinho's side equalized in the second period via Youssef En-Nesyri's header (49'). Casemiro and Hojlund came on for Lindelof and Zirkzee after the second goal but United failed to find the match-winner as they split the points with Fenerbahce.

“There’s been no improvement" - Paul Scholes explains Manchester United's 'biggest disappointment' this season after Fenerbahce draw

Paul Scholes has bemoaned the lack of improvement from Manchester United under Ten Hag this season. The Englishman is disappointed that the Red Devils have not yet returned to competing for the Premier League title.

After securing a commendable third-place finish in Ten Hag's debut season at Old Trafford in 2022-23, United finished eighth on the league table last season under the Dutch boss, eight points adrift of the top four.

The Red Devils have had an awful start to this term as well. Manchester United find themselves 21st in the Europa League standings and 12th on the Premier League table.

When asked whether he's seen any improvement this campaign, Scholes said (via the aforementioned outlet's report):

“No, not yet. I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked OK and they’ve missed a lot of chances as well. But league position tells you everything – 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League."

"There’s been no improvement – and that’s the biggest disappointment. We’re over two years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement. You’d like to think that by now they’d be up there challenging with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal, but it doesn’t feel like it," he added.