Lionel can’t save Messi Man U

London – Paul Scholes says even Lionel Messi (above) would struggle to shine in the current Manchester United team and that the struggling club are being laughed at by their rivals.

The former United and England midfielder has been a vocal critic of his old club, who are languishing in eighth in the Premier League – five points adrift of any other member of the “Big Six”.

They had to watch Manchester City win last season’s title in record-breaking fashion and Pep Guardiola’s men are flying high at the top once more, alongside Liverpool and manager Jose Mourinho’s former club Chelsea.

“That shouldn’t make any difference but it does,” Scholes told ESPN. “United now feels like Liverpool from years ago, like we’re making all the same mistakes.

“We were watching Liverpool and City from afar and smirking as they changed managers and players... It feels like we have turned into a Liverpool or a Man City. I feel like [they] are looking at us and laughing like we did.”

Mourinho has spent more than £350 million on players since arriving at Old Trafford in 2016. Despite that, he has clashed with the club over recruitment while costly signings like Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba have failed to flourish.

Said Scholes. “It feels like every player who comes in struggles.

“I feel like we could sign Lionel Messi and he’d struggle in this team.

“I think [Mourinho] still is [a great manager], but you wonder why his side keep getting outplayed.” –