Manchester United great Paul Scholes has stepped in to defend manager Ruben Amorim, insisting the club’s problems are more about recruitment than tactics.

Speaking after United’s 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, Scholes argued that Amorim’s system was not the issue, pointing out that United even had more possession at the Etihad. For him, the real weakness lies in the quality of players, especially in midfield.

“I don’t think the system is the problem,” Scholes said on BBC 5 Live. “The midfield wasn’t overrun, but the players there aren’t quite at the level needed. All summer I expected the club to go for a central midfielder who could control games, but it never happened.”

The former England international criticized the club’s transfer dealings, saying United seemed to panic towards the end of the window. He noted that the late move for Carlos Baleba felt unplanned, while other key areas of the squad were overlooked.

Scholes also questioned whether United needed to bring in three forwards, suggesting that energy and control in midfield should have been the priority. He added that doubts over goalkeeper André Onana were obvious long before the Grimsby game that reportedly raised concerns.