Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been named as Manchester United legend Paul Scholes’ new favourite player after his impressive performance against Newcastle in the Champions League
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has revealed his new favourite player(Image: Getty Images)
Paul Scholes has declared Barcelona sensation Pedri as his latest favourite player following another masterful performance. The Catalan powerhouse were in Champions League action on Thursday evening as they secured a 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Marcus Rashford grabbed the spotlight upon his return to an English ground, netting twice including a spectacular long-range effort. However, it was Pedri’s understated brilliance in the middle of the park that captured Scholes’ attention.
The Manchester United icon shared a photograph of Barcelona’s No. 8 Pedri, accompanied by the message ‘My new favourite footballer’.
The Spain midfielder left a comparable impression on Rashford, who made the switch from Old Trafford to the Camp Nou, confessing he was astounded by his ability.
“If you didn’t know his age, you’d think he was 28 or 29 because he’s very mature and understands the game perfectly,” he said earlier this summer. “He plays at his own pace, and that makes it easy for strikers to keep up with him.”
Barcelona’s Pedri shone at St. James’ Park against Newcastle
Scholes’ remarks follow his admission that the alternatives at his cherished United aren’t functioning as their decline persists. Embattled boss Ruben Amorim remains rigidly committed to his 3-4-2-1 system, despite their ongoing difficulties.
United splashed out heavily on attacking players during the summer window, securing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for a total of £193million, but failed to address their midfield requirements. Amorim is finding it difficult to establish a successful midfield partnership, with Bruno Fernandes being deployed in a deeper role alongside the veteran Casemiro.
Scholes, who was part of one of the Premier League’s most formidable midfields, believes this was a misstep.
He commented: “I don’t think the quality is there. Whatever two out of the four or five they have got in [midfield] – Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], [Kobbie] Mainoo – whatever combination he seems to try doesn’t seem to work.
“That’s a big issue. I thought all summer the absolute priority was a centre midfield player with legs, who can play and can control a game.
“The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I’m not sure it did.”
Despite their crushing 3-0 loss to local rivals Manchester City, Amorim staunchly defended his choices in midfield. “Guys, I understand how football is,” said Amorim.
“The results will dictate all the narratives.
“I am trying to be rational and I don’t lie to myself. I see the record. I understand the frustration of everybody and I understand any decision that came with that.
“But that conversation about the two midfielders, the pair, Kobbie and Manu [Ugarte], I understand all these narratives. But then when I look at certain games, we play with two. It is the same thing.
“I am trying to do different things, trying to imagine the game. And then when you don’t win, it doesn’t work, you take the critics. But that’s it.”
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