Man Utd made a mistake selling Lukaku without having replacement - Scholes

The former Red Devils midfielder is not sure that Marcus Rashford has the composure in front of goal to lead the line on a consistent basis

Manchester United made a mistake in sanctioning the sale of Romelu Lukaku without having a ready-made replacement lined up, says Paul Scholes.

The Red Devils agreed to part with the Belgium international frontman over the summer, with the 26-year-old having recorded 42 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

Lukaku was allowed to head for Inter as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to embrace a different attacking philosophy at Old Trafford - one which places greater emphasis on movement and pace over power and presence.

United legend Scholes feels the wrong approach is being taken, with the Red Devils now lacking a proven and prolific focal point in the final third as Rashford and Anthony Martial have shown themselves to be better when operating on the flanks .

"[United] obviously knew they were going to sell Lukaku at some point, but not to have a centre-forward lined up seems a mistake to me," said Scholes.

"Whether they did, whether it just dragged on too long from the club’s point of view, I don’t know.

"To go into a season without a centre-forward, when it’s a club known for its attacking style, and probably four centre-forwards in its heyday, so to go in there with Rashford and Martial who you’re not quite sure... are they left wingers? Are they centre-forwards? We don’t know, but I’m sure it’ll get sorted."

Scholes added on Rashford, who has netted three times in five appearances this season but boasts a personal-best goal return of just 13 across any given campaign : "It’s hard to say, I just don’t know [Rashford’s best position]. I think he’s good from the left.

"Originally when he was a young lad I thought he was definitely a centre-forward. I thought he had awareness and the movement to be a centre-forward. But I look at him now and I’m not sure he’s got the composure for that.

"I think his best games are when he comes from the left-hand side. But I think that’s the same with Martial as well, they’re both very similar players.

"If you ask them, I’d say they probably both want to play centre-forward, but I think they’re both better from the left-hand side."

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