“Just not the character that you’d expect” - Manchester United legend Paul Scholes backs Enzo Maresca’s admission over Chelsea star 

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that Chelsea skipper Reece James lacks leadership qualities. The English right-back was handed the armband in the summer of 2023 following Cesar Azpilicueta's departure from Stamford Bridge.

James has struggled to stay fit in recent times and has appeared just twice this season. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca has already admitted that he expects more from his skipper. Scholes, who has brushed shoulders with some legendary leaders at Manchester United, appeared to echo those thoughts.

Speaking on The Overlap, the legendary English midfielder insisted that Reece James lacks the character to lead the team at Stamford Bridge. He said (via Team Talk):

“The captain’s role is quite important. We had some unbelievable captains at Manchester United. Bryan Robson is someone you look up to with the stature, the presence, he looks after his players. Roy Keane – these types of players. I think it’s important."

He added:

“You look at Arsenal, you look at the great captains – Tony Adams, Chelsea – John Terry, Liverpool – Steven Gerrard. All the big characters in the team, it’s important for these young players to look up to that. I think it’s big."

He continued:

“I remember when Reece James got appointed, I thought, he doesn’t look like a captain to me. He seems very quiet and shy. You can be captain like that but he’s just not the character that you’d expect for a club the size as Chelsea football club.”

Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League table after nine games, while Manchester United are 14th.

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Could Manchester United and Chelsea invest in their squad in January?

Ruben Amorim

Manchester United and Chelsea were quite active in the transfer market in the summer and could return for more players at the turn of the year. The Red Devils are all set to welcome Ruben Amorim to the hot seat at Old Trafford later this month.

INEOS relieved Erik ten Hag of his duties on Monday (October 28) and wasted little time in securing the services of Amorim. The Sporting manager prefers a back-three and could be tempted to invest in new players in the winter transfer window.

Recent reports have suggested that a new defender could be on his agenda in January. Meanwhile, the Blues failed to sign Victor Osimhen over the summer and could return for the player at the turn of the year. The Nigerian reportedly has a break clause in his loan deal with Galatasaray that can be exercised in the winter.