Paul Scholes Urges Manchester United to Sign Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan Over PSG Target
Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend, has expressed his skepticism about the club’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Despite rumors of Ugarte’s potential move to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes, Scholes is not convinced he’s the right fit for United.
During a discussion on The Overlap, Scholes revealed his preference for Ilkay Gundogan, the experienced German midfielder, over Ugarte. “Gundogan. I know it’s not going to happen but I think he’s the type of player Man United need,” Scholes said, suggesting that Gundogan’s ability to control the midfield would be a perfect addition to United’s squad.
Gundogan, who is set to return to Manchester City after a stint with Barcelona, was Scholes’ ideal candidate for United’s midfield reinforcement. Scholes emphasized the importance of a “controlling midfield player” who can bring calm and order to the game, qualities he believes Gundogan embodies.
The idea of bringing in a 33-year-old midfielder might seem surprising to some, especially as United looks to move on from older players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. However, Scholes highlighted Gundogan’s experience and composure as key assets, contrasting them with Ugarte’s more aggressive style of play.
Scholes also admitted he isn’t entirely sold on Ugarte, questioning his technical abilities and comparing him to Sofyan Amrabat, who had an underwhelming loan spell at United last season. “I’m not sure technically if he’s good enough. He seems to be a bit more of an Amrabat. Maybe a little bit better,” Scholes remarked, stressing the need for a midfielder with the intelligence to manage the flow of the game.
In addition to his doubts about Ugarte, Scholes didn’t hold back in his criticism of other potential signings. He recently voiced concerns over Matthijs de Ligt, calling the Dutch defender a “second-rate” option, further highlighting Scholes’ high standards for the club’s transfer targets.
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, it remains to be seen whether United will heed Scholes’ advice or proceed with their current targets. Either way, the former United star’s opinions continue to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.Paul Scholes’ skepticism regarding Manchester United’s interest in Manuel Ugarte reflects his concerns about the club’s current transfer strategy, particularly in midfield. Scholes, a Manchester United legend known for his own midfield mastery, believes that the club would benefit more from a player like Ilkay Gundogan, whose experience and ability to control the tempo of a game would provide the composure United needs.
Despite Gundogan’s return to Manchester City after his stint with Barcelona making such a move highly unlikely, Scholes emphasized that United should prioritize bringing in a midfielder with technical intelligence and a calming presence—qualities he sees in Gundogan but doubts in Ugarte. Scholes compared Ugarte to Sofyan Amrabat, whose recent loan spell at United was underwhelming, and questioned whether Ugarte has the technical prowess to succeed in United’s midfield.
Scholes’ comments on Ugarte, as well as his harsh assessment of potential defensive target Matthijs de Ligt, highlight his high standards for the club’s signings. As the transfer window nears its close, Scholes’ opinions add to the ongoing debate among fans and pundits about whether United should rethink their current targets or stick to their plans.
