With Manchester United out of the FA Cup, they will not be playing this weekend, leading Paul Scholes to criticize his former club.
Fletcher’s team lost to Brighton at Old Trafford. Although Benjamin Sesko scored, it couldn’t change the outcome.
Shea Lacey received a red card during that match and has not played for the first team since, despite showing promise when given opportunities. Now that United’s campaign is over until 2027, focus shifts to another local matchup.
Scholes criticizes Man United before FA Cup fourth round
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Not participating in the FA Cup is a blow for United, especially since Michael Carrick likely would have guided them to victory, offering another shot at a trophy.
However, this has allowed the team to concentrate on securing Champions League qualification, utilizing the next two weeks for intensive training.
On Salford City’s TikTok, Paul Scholes jokingly pointed out United’s absence from the tournament, also highlighting his own team.
“Last year was the first time we reached the third round of the cup. From where we were 10 years ago to now is fantastic. We have to enjoy it, and this season we’ve even gone further than Manchester United in the FA Cup.”
This comment comes ahead of Salford’s match against Manchester City scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United can’t afford another season without a cup run
There are only 12 games left this season, a peculiar reality shaped by sudden exits from both domestic cups.
In addition to the FA Cup loss to Brighton, United’s defeat to Grimsby in the League Cup was particularly harmful and could have jeopardized Amorim’s position.
This cannot be repeated next year.
United needs to compete deep into both competitions. The extra matches provide important rotation options and give young players a chance to gain experience.
With European football looking probable, possibly a return to the Champions League, fixture congestion won’t be an excuse anymore.