Jose Mourinho Paul Pogba Manchester United West Ham 290918

Man Utd are a mess but can't afford to lose Pogba - Scholes

Manchester United are “a mess”, according to Paul Scholes, but their struggles make it imperative that they retain the services of “best player” Paul Pogba.

It has been suggested that the Red Devils are reaching a point where something has to give, with talk of in-house squabbles seeing the exit door edge open for at least one high-profile figure.

Pogba, having struggled for consistency since returning to Old Trafford in 2016, and beleaguered boss Jose Mourinho are considered to be the most likely candidates to move on.

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Scholes believes that something has to happen, with United having hit a new low during a demoralising display in a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

He told BT Sport: “This club seems to be in a bit of a mess.

“Whether it’s from above Mourinho, we know he didn’t get the money he wanted in the summer. He’s been given a lot of money already to spend on players, [Victory] Lindelof and [Eric] Bailly especially. It’s early days for people like Fred, you do have to give him time.

“It just seems like a war right through the club from Ed Woodward to Mourinho and then Mourinho to his players. The players just look unstable.”

Rio Ferdinand agrees with his former United team-mate, with the public arguments being played out in 2018-19 standing in stark contrast to the era of Sir Alex Ferguson when anybody who crossed the Scot was swiftly shown the door.

Paul Pogba, Man UtdGetty

“There seems to be mini-wars going on in the changing room, probably above that as well,” said the former defender.

“There’s mini wars within the camp. That has to be ironed out, someone within that club has to come in and say get yourselves together and sort it out.

“Back in the day Sir Alex Ferguson would have ironed it out. If players stepped out of line in his eyes, they’re gone. Whether they’re in their prime, they’re gone. David Beckham, Jaap Stam, Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrroy. Something’s got to give here.”

Scholes, though, believes that parting with Pogba would only serve to heighten United’s problems, with the World Cup-winning midfielder still the finest player on the club’s books.

He responded to Ferdinand’s claims about Ferguson selling top stars by stating: “He [Mourinho] hasn't got those luxuries. When the manager [Ferguson] did get rid of players there was always quality around him.

“The war he’s got now with Pogba is he’s still his best player. What else does he do? Can he let Pogba go? I don’t know if he can.”

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