Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United midfielder, has launched a new podcast titled “The Good, The Bad and The Football” alongside fellow footballer Nicky Butt. In this first episode, Scholes drops some incredible wisdom from his phenomenal career. He provides insights about recent issues involving Manchester United, discussing the team’s tactics and personnel.
Scholes endured competition from greats such as Michael Owen and Ruud van Nistelrooy. In particular, he is very much of the opinion that Bruno Fernandes should occupy a very specific role within the squad. He (Tactician) believes Fernandes is at his best when used as a No 10. After all, this is the very role where he arguably enjoyed the most success — as a player.
A Conversation at the Pub
In an animated roundtable discussion at a Manchester pub, Scholes blew some minds with his candor regarding his own professional career. He addressed the issues plaguing the current squad. He provided a fascinating look at issues both historical and contemporary in this wide-ranging conversation.
Having begun his career as a route-one centre-forward substitute, Scholes finally moved into the No 10 role — his favourite position. He remembers fondly, “I ended up playing as a No 10 for three, four, five years and I enjoyed it. Within this role he spent some of his happiest and most successful years. There, he was able to more freely concentrate on creating chances and scoring goals rather than being preoccupied with defensive responsibilities.
Sir Alex Ferguson was convinced that Scholes would eventually become a central midfielder. Scholes wistfully recalls his own youth when he could focus all his energies on the forward thrusts. “I think defending was something that I wasn’t good at all,” he said. “I hated to have to defend and think of defending.” This approach helps explain how players typically discover their best abilities in their most natural positions on the field.
The Role of Bruno Fernandes
Scholes is very passionate on the subject of Bruno Fernandes being deployed as Manchester United’s No 10. Él es el jugador más creativo en el equipo. A ojos cerrados, por lo menos, tiene que estar jugando como el No.10. He raised red flags over Fernandes being pressured to act in an alternate role.
He’s being asked to do something else entirely,” Scholes continued. As a No 10 he is brilliant enough to look great for two or three matches. After that and particularly after the first quarter, he gets pretty bored going back to a low man position. This change in job description could affect the success of a guy who is supposed to be the most creative player on the field.
Bruno has shown he can play that deep role. He thinks this is the worst role for his overall team effect. As mentioned above, he truly shined in Europa League games last year. He can do a great job in that deeper role and I would admit I’m a fan of his ability. He did warn that this might rob Fernandes of some of his key attributes further up the pitch.
Striker Expectations and Player Comparisons
Beyond praising Fernandes, Scholes had some words about Manchester United’s new stormtrooper-in-chief, Benjamin Sesko. What worried him even more than the situation itself was the expectation that was being set for the young player. “Maybe too much is being asked of him,” Scholes added. Comments like these reveal a deeper anxiety about what young talents go through in competitive, and sometimes toxic, spaces.
Scholes draws a parallel between two of his old teammates— Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. Instead, McLoone tried to characterize them like teenagers. He added, “At that age, Michael was the better goalscorer; Wayne was the better footballer. Owen had an almost supernatural touch for finishing. In comparison, Rooney showed to have a more complete skill set.
Scholes is a passionate communicator, and we are lucky that he shares those insights regularly through his podcast and public events. He wants to provide the fans and viewers with a real look into the life of football through the eyes of a true veteran.
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