‘Absolutely ridiculous’ – Paul Scholes blasts Scott McTominay and Fred after Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton

Paul Scholes slammed Scott McTominay and Fred after Manchester United slipped to a disappointing defeat to Brighton in their opening Premier League fixture.

Erik ten Hag endured a nightmare first competitive game as United boss as his Red Devils side were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Pascal Gross scored two goals in nine first-half minutes as Brighton took a commanding lead which led the home side to be booed off at half-time.

United, who finished sixth last season, improved after the break but were unable to mount a comeback despite Alexis Mac Allister’s unfortunate own goal.

It was Brighton’s first-ever win at the Theatre of Dreams and marked a deflating start to the Ten Hag era at Manchester United.

Scholes described United’s first-half performance as ‘shambolic’ and singled out midfield duo McTominay and Fred for criticism.

‘It was a shocking start for Man United and the first half was shambolic really, Scholes told Premier League productions. ‘The signs were there right from the first few minutes that this was going to be bad.

‘McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.

‘I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again, he’s running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous.

‘It could easily have been a red card. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.

‘With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.

‘Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay’s trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best