Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has applauded the quality of Louis van Gaal’s new signings, but admits they may not all fit in the manager’s system.
The arrivals of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria at Old Trafford have the former midfielder wondering how they will line-up for The Red Devils.
Scholes is eagerly anticipating United’s new attacking force squaring off against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
He told MUTV: “The calibre of player we have brought in is top quality, like Di Maria and Falcao.”
“These are proper players.
“We just have to find a way of getting them all in the same team, playing well and scoring goals – which we have struggled to do a little bit.”
Louis van Gaal will now have to blend his new signings into the first-team without upsetting the applecart too much, something that clearly concerns Scholes.
Asked if the biggest problem is fitting everyone into a starting XI, Scholes said: “It is yeah, but it’s not a bad problem to have.
“Fans have been moaning about the type of players that were at the club and now you can’t do that. I think Ed Woodward has done his job brilliantly during this transfer window with some great signings. Now it is over to the manager to sort everything out and make us a good team again.
“Defensively we haven’t been great either so he needs to sort that out. Then, I’m sure we can be vying for Champions League places.”
Nonetheless, the 39-year-old is pleased with the calibre of signings Man United have been able to attract, not least Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.
After a low-key introduction to Man United life in a goalless draw at Burnley, Di Maria shone in the international break, with a fantastic performance against Germany.
The Argentine scored one and provided three in a 4-2 win and Scholes has earmarked the wing as the record signing’s best position.
He said: “I would like to see Di Maria play wide.
“Whether van Gaal is going to play with wide players, I’m not too sure, but we saw the other night that he was devastating for Argentina against Germany in wide areas.
“Whether it is the right or left-hand side, his pace is frightening.
“He can go past players and score goals. That is something we have been missing.
“I am sure he can play in the central areas as well, but if I was picking him then it would be in the wide areas.”
Colombian striker Falcao, who joined on a deadline day loan from Monaco, also has Scholes buzzing with excitement.
“Falcao’s goalscoring record is brilliant from when he has been at Porto and Atletico Madrid.
“The goals he has scored have been important, then there is the movement he brings and his experience as well at 28 years of age.
“You just hope his knee is right, I think that will be the main problem. But once he gets going and Di Maria can start creating chances for him then I’m sure we will start scoring goals.”
Main image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
