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Manchester United lack 'real leaders' says Paul Scholes

Ander Herrera of Manchester United celebrates scoring their fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match between Clu Brugge and
Image: Paul Scholes believes Manchester United 'do not have many real leaders'

Manchester United lack "real leaders", according to their former midfielder Paul Scholes.

The ex-England veteran has expressed his dismay at United's defeat to Liverpool in the Europa League last-32 first-leg on Thursday.

In an interview with Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher in the Daily Mail, Scholes also said United turn into a long-ball team when they play Marouane Fellaini.

"I don't think there are many real leaders in there," he said. "Chris Smalling? The goalkeeper [David de Gea]?

"They possibly could be captains but are they real Manchester United captains? How is Juan Mata captain? He's a good player and had a good month, but captain of Manchester United?

Liverpool-Utd talking points
Liverpool-Utd talking points

From Marouane Fellaini to Liverpool's potent strike force...

"Fellaini isn't someone you can play through. He played [against Liverpool] for one reason: so they could smash the ball up to him and didn't have to play through midfield.

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"If you play Fellaini you can only play one way. You have to smash it up to him. That isn't Manchester United. That should never, ever be Manchester United. But, where we are, it is."

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