Paul Scholes: Manchester United will never win the title with these centre-backs

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched a scathing critique of the team's central defenders following their 1-1 draw against Tottenham in gameweek six of the Premier League. Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire formed the Red Devils' centre-back partnership against Spurs, but Scholes believes the defensive line is severely lacking in both quality and physical presence.

"Before Saturday's game, Tottenham were in the bottom half of the table, yet they still outran and outfought Manchester United. There's constant talk about new signings coming in to make the squad stronger – a player like Elliot Anderson, for example, could help – but I'm not convinced the arrivals have really raised the level," the former England international stated.

Scholes added that while the attack looks reasonably solid, the backline has been neglected for far too long.

"I think things are fine going forward, but just look at the centre-backs. It's an area of the pitch that hasn't been properly addressed for several years now. We've relied on the same personnel for two or three seasons, and it's clear we won't achieve success with them. You're never going to win the Premier League with these defenders, and the goal conceded on Saturday was a classic example of that."

The pundit was equally unsparing in his assessment of Lisandro Martinez for his role in Spurs' goal:

"We all know Lisandro Martinez has footballing ability, but in that moment, the opponent simply bypassed him with ease purely on physicality. The way he allowed that goal to be scored is criminal and completely inexcusable. Manchester United urgently need a brand new back four," Scholes claimed on 'The Good, The Bad & The Football' podcast.