BREAKING NEWS: “I warned Erik ten Hag about that player, but he chose not to bench him, and that led to his dismissal… Ruud van Nistelrooy is making the same error now, and I’m also warning him,” says Pep Guardiola. He names one player who doesn’t deserve to start for Manchester United and cautions Van Nistelrooy about repeating the same unforgivable mistake.

Paul Scholes has always been outspoken about Manchester United’s struggles, and after their recent match against Chelsea, he didn’t hold back on his critique of Marcus Rashford. Scholes, known for his sharp and honest analysis, was particularly critical of a key missed opportunity by Rashford in the first half—a moment that could have shifted momentum in United’s favor.

Under new leadership with manager Ruben Amorim, there’s renewed pressure on United players to prove themselves. Among those guiding the attacking efforts is legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, now focused on refining United’s forward line and encouraging players like Rashford to take chances more effectively.

United had recently dominated against Leicester, scoring five goals, yet their match against Chelsea proved far more challenging, as the team struggled to break down Chelsea’s solid defense and missed crucial opportunities.

Rashford’s miss in the first 45 minutes was especially disappointing. Given space and time, he was in an ideal position to score, yet his shot hit the crossbar and went over. Scholes saw this as more than just bad luck—he suggested Rashford was trying to add flair instead of simply ensuring a goal.

Analyzing the moment, Scholes noted that Rashford seemed more focused on style, aiming for a powerful top-corner finish rather than opting for a straightforward approach. Scholes remarked that “all he needed was a simple side-foot volley from seven yards out,” highlighting the simplicity of the chance Rashford had overlooked.

With Amorim now at the helm, Rashford faces a crucial turning point. Amorim’s arrival offers a fresh start, and Rashford has a valuable chance to reshape his role and become the reliable scorer United needs.

Scholes’s critique points to an essential quality in top strikers: the ability to score under pressure with simplicity. Elite forwards don’t complicate their finishes—they focus on efficiency. Scholes implied that Rashford would benefit from adopting this practical mindset to maximize his impact.

As Rashford’s journey continues under Amorim, he has both potential and expectations on his shoulders. To succeed, he’ll need to seize scoring opportunities without getting caught up in making every goal look impressive.

Scholes’s criticism underscores the value of simplicity in crucial moments, a lesson that could help Rashford elevate his game and become a more consistent goal-scorer for United thisseason.