Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has debunked Paul Scholes theory with Europa League admission

Paul Scholes somewhat disrespected the Europa League ahead of Manchester United's 3-2 win over Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus last Thursday evening, describing it as a competition that is 'hard to get motivated for'.

Scholes made the admission in relation to Erik ten Hag's decision to hand Cristiano Ronaldo a starting berth, just days after he was left to warm the bench during United's 6-3 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The 37-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Cyprus, providing the assist for one of United's three goals, helping them move one step closer towards the knockout stages of the competition.

The Reds have won two of their opening three matches in Group E and another victory over Omonia at Old Trafford this evening would put them on the brink of qualification. After competing in the Champions League last term, United, with a squad packed full of quality, should have the objective of winning the Europa League this season.

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Although finishing inside the top four in the Premier League is their bread and butter this season, the Europa League offers them an alternate route back into the Champions League and an opportunity to re-stock their trophy cabinet for the first time since 2017. It is why, therefore, Ten Hag deserves credit for his attitude towards the competition so far this season; he has named a strong team in each of United's opening three matches and that is a trend that is set to continue on Thursday night.

Asked during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday if he would shuffle his pack for the visit of Neil Lennon's side, Ten Hag said: "All out for the victory. It's Europe, it's tough. The first game is the most