da poker： Manchester United’s defeat to Bayern Munich has been attributed to the absence of two key players as Paul Scholes hinted at a lack of "creativity".
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United struggling for goalsMisfired against BayernScholes claimed Eriksen & Casemiro were missedWHAT HAPPENED?
United's Champions League campaign concluded on a disappointing note with a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with four points from a possible 18. Scholes expressed concern about the lack of creativity in the middle and rued the absence of players like Casemiro and Eriksen which he believes led to a notable drop in team quality.
AdvertisementWHAT PAUL SCHOLES SAID
Speaking to TNT Sports, Scholes said: "I thought creativity in the middle was a major problem today. When you haven't got Casemiro and Eriksen, there's a massive drop-off in the team, a massive drop-off in quality. I thought [Bruno] Fernandes actually played really well in a deeper role tonight, he did that a few times in the Europa League last year in big games and he can do that. With him and Eriksen in the team, It will bring more creativity in the team.
"The big concern for me is the centre-forward [Rasmus Hojlund]. We can't create a chance for him, yes, he has five goals in the Champions League but he hasn't scored yet in the Premier League. It's a big concern where the goals are going to come from. You expect a lot of product from your wide players, the Antonys, the [Alejandro] Garnachos but they're quite selfish players. They're thinking about scoring themselves, their own goals, Rashford isn't in form this season, I know he was ill tonight but he's not been firing either."
Getty ImagesRIO FERDINAND WANTS MORE 'RESILIENCE'
Rio Ferdinand wants United to show more character to help themselves get out of this difficult position amid an admission that injuries have impeded their progress. He called out Aaron Wan-Bissaka for his lacklustre performance and urged the senior players to live up to the expectations and take more responsibility.
"Obviously Maguire has worked his way back into the side but had to go off, Luke Shaw another one so these injuries that have been prominent throughout the season are continuing to be an issue," he said.
"However, you have to show resilience, you have to find a way to look at the younger players to maybe play some more minutes. You look at people on the bench, Wan-Bissaka, he cost £45m. He's not some kid with no experience, Varane came in today, it's not like you’re bringing in guys that have never played at this level."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The loss was compounded by injuries to key players, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, in the first half. The defensive woes extend with Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof also sidelined due to injuries. The situation is further exacerbated by Jadon Sancho's suspension, along with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial missing the Bayern match due to illness. Although the attacking duo might make a comeback for the Liverpool clash next Sunday, Fernandes will be missed due to suspension.