Former England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes will lend his expertise to TNT Sports for the remaining fixtures of the 2024/25 season. In his latest column, Scholes shares his perspective on the reaction of Liverpool fans towards Trent Alexander-Arnold, reflects on Manchester United’s potential Europa League parade, and reminisces about his experiences at Goodison Park as Everton prepares for its final game at the iconic stadium against Southampton, on TNT Sports and discovery+ this Sunday.
### Understanding the Reaction Towards Trent Alexander-Arnold
The unexpected booing directed at Trent Alexander-Arnold by Liverpool supporters caught many off guard, including Scholes himself. He emphasizes that understanding the emotional landscape surrounding such reactions is complicated for those who aren’t immersed in Liverpool’s culture. Scholes sees a parallel in his strong feelings as a Manchester United supporter, where he idealizes the club’s status, akin to how Liverpool fans view theirs.
He recalls similar sentiments from his own playing days when iconic figures, like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, made high-profile exits from Old Trafford to join Real Madrid. Scholes realizes that while comparisons can be drawn, each scenario has its distinct nuances. For instance, Beckham joined United at a young age and evolved under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance, while Ronaldo’s dream of playing for Madrid predated his transfer to Manchester.
Scholes highlights Alexander-Arnold’s handling of the situation, acknowledging the wisdom in his decision to transition at the end of his contract without showcasing disruptive behavior. Unlike other players who might cause chaos to force a move, Trent merely expressed a desire for a new experience in Spain, notably to reunite with his friend Jude Bellingham. While Scholes sympathizes with Liverpool fans’ frustrations – given their belief in the club’s grandeur – he encourages them to appreciate Trent’s honesty.
### The Challenge That Awaits Ruben Amorim at Manchester United
Scholes remarks that Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s new manager, likely knew he was inheriting a complicated situation upon his arrival. He emphasizes that Amorim’s primary challenge will be to offload underperforming players tied to long contracts with hefty wages. Meanwhile, results in the Premier League must also improve. He draws a comparison with Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal, expressing disbelief that Arteta endured as prolonged a rough patch as to see his team languishing around the 15th or 16th position.
Scholes believes that Amorim would benefit from three or four years to establish his vision and rebuild the squad meticulously, given the significant amount of misplaced investments from previous management. Judging him hastily amid this cleanup phase would be unfair.
### No Parade for the Europa League Victory
In Scholes’s view, Manchester United should not hold a parade if they manage to win the Europa League. He finds the notion somewhat embarrassing, insisting that the real prize lies in qualifying for the Champions League and leveraging that opportunity to attract higher calibre signings. While he recognizes that any trophy is worthy of celebration, the significance of a Europa League title, particularly for a club of United’s stature, necessitates a more sober approach.
### The Potential of Signing Liam Delap
United has reportedly shown interest in bringing in Liam Delap, a player Scholes regards favorably. However, he believes Delap would benefit from playing alongside more seasoned strikers to aid his development at a high-stakes club like Manchester United, which currently struggles with its forward options. Scholes emphasizes the importance of depth in the squad, advocating for the acquisition of multiple experienced forwards to support the likes of Delap.
### Reflecting on Goodison Park Memories
Scholes fondly recalls his playing days at Goodison Park, where Everton often presented a formidable challenge. He reminisces about the organized discipline that David Moyes instilled in his teams, noting that, despite winning many games there, he personally struggled to score. The crowd’s vocal engagement, constantly offering tactical cues such as “man on” or “turn,” left a lasting impression on him.
As Goodison Park prepares to bid farewell, Scholes understands the heartache of Everton fans but also expresses optimism about their transition to a new home. He reflects fondly on the respect shared between Everton and Manchester United fans, contrasting it with the more heated rivalry felt towards Liverpool supporters, highlighting the shared passion of Scousers for their clubs.
In closing, Scholes maintains that Everton remains a Premier League club with the potential for a bright future under Moyes, as they aim to rise above their recent troubles. The myriad of emotions tied to Goodison’s legacy juxtaposes the respect he holds for both the Everton and Liverpool fanbases, enriching the fabric of football culture in England.
Fans can catch plenty of exciting action, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.