Paul Scholes Hails Pedri as His New Favourite Footballer Amid United Midfield Concerns
Paul Scholes has revealed Barcelona star Pedri is now his favourite footballer after another commanding performance in the Champions League.
The Spanish midfielder impressed during Barça’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park, where Marcus Rashford scored twice on his return to England. While Rashford grabbed the headlines, it was Pedri’s composure in midfield that caught Scholes’ attention.
The Manchester United legend shared a picture of Barcelona’s No. 8 on social media, captioned: “My new favourite footballer.” Rashford, who swapped Old Trafford for Camp Nou this summer, has also praised the 21-year-old’s maturity, saying: “If you didn’t know his age, you’d think he was 28 or 29… He plays at his own pace, and that makes it easy for strikers to keep up with him.”
Scholes’ comments come as United continue to struggle under Ruben Amorim. Despite spending £193m on forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United failed to reinforce their midfield, leaving Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manu Ugarte to shoulder the burden.
Scholes believes that was a mistake:
“I don’t think the quality is there. Whatever combination he tries, it doesn’t work. The absolute priority should have been a central midfielder with legs, who can control a game.”
Amorim, under pressure after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, has defended his selections, insisting: “Results dictate the narratives… I try different things, and when you don’t win, you take the critics.”
For Scholes, though, the contrast is clear: while United’s midfield falters, Pedri embodies the control and intelligence he believes his old club desperately lacks.
