Scholes, Butt Predict Haaland Threat to Man United in EPL Clash

Former Manchester United stars Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have raised concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities ahead of their upcoming match against Manchester City. With Erling Haaland in top form, they believe he could exploit weaknesses in United’s defense, specifically targeting defender Lisandro Martinez.

Challenging Match Ahead

This Saturday, Manchester United will face Manchester City at Old Trafford in a highly anticipated match. The game marks the debut of Michael Carrick as the team’s temporary manager. Carrick is expected to maintain the defensive lineup used by former manager Darren Fletcher in recent matches.

Current Defensive Setup

• Manchester United’s last matches included a 2-2 draw against Burnley and a 2-1 loss to Brighton.
• Lisandro Martinez played in both games, which has raised questions about his ability to handle Haaland.

Concerns Over Haaland’s Threat

Haaland has already netted 20 goals in the Premier League this season, making him a major threat for United. Scholes specifically expressed concern over whether United has suitable players to contain the Norwegian striker.

Speed and Counter-Attack

Butt noted that Manchester United used to have a strong counter-attacking strategy, particularly leveraging Marcus Rashford’s speed. However, he feels the current squad lacks that pace, which could hinder their ability to counter against City’s attacking play.

Defensive Strategy and Recommendations

When discussing defensive options, Butt speculated about Harry Maguire’s possible inclusion in the lineup. Both Scholes and Butt agreed that with Haaland’s exceptional talent and physicality, he is challenging for any defender, including Martinez.

• Scholes: “There’s a good chance he’ll target Martinez, of course he will.”
• Butt: “No one can deal with him [Haaland]. He’s that good, that powerful.”

As Manchester United prepares for this crucial encounter, the focus will be on how they can effectively counter Haaland’s potent threats and protect their goal. With the match set for noon on Saturday, fans will be eager to see how this rivalry unfolds. For further insights and updates, visit Filmogaz.com.