Paul Scholes Advocates for Nine-Man Manchester United Clear-Out Including Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro

Paul Scholes urges Manchester United to offload nine players, including Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, to restore the club's title-winning status.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Quest for Championship-Level Defensive Standards

As Manchester United navigates a successful interim period under Michael Carrick, club icon Paul Scholes has voiced concerns that the current squad is still far from the quality required to secure major silverware. Participating in a "Keep or Sell" exercise on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes emphasized that United should be aiming for the pinnacle of European football. He argued that several current regulars do not meet the historical standards of the club, suggesting that a ruthless approach to the summer transfer window is necessary to bridge the gap between third place and a genuine title charge.

Evaluating the Center-Back Dilemma and Harry Maguire

A significant portion of Scholes’ critique focused on the defensive heart of the team, where he suggested a "one or the other" scenario for Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. While acknowledging that Maguire has been "sensational" in his recent return to form, Scholes maintained that the England international requires a specific partner, like a Rio Ferdinand figure, to be effective at the highest level. Ultimately, he opted to keep De Ligt over Maguire due to the Dutchman’s age and superior pace. Furthermore, Scholes issued a surprising verdict on Leny Yoro, stating that while the youngster has potential, his current struggles would lead him to sanction a sale if a choice had to be made now.

Tactical Misfits and the Full-Back Departure List

Scholes also identified several tactical misfits within the defensive unit, specifically targeting Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu. He noted that Mazraoui’s utility has diminished now that the team has moved away from a back-three system, rendering him surplus to requirements. Similarly, Dorgu was labeled a "squad player" with an undefined position, leading Scholes to recommend his departure. Even long-standing servant Luke Shaw was not spared; despite Scholes once considering him the best left-back in the world, he cited Shaw’s persistent injury issues as the primary reason to sell, noting that he simply "doesn't play enough games."