Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has given his take on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate – and has sided with his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate.
08.06.2022 - 22:19 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has explained why he made the decision to often move former Manchester United star Paul Scholes to the left-flank during his tenure as Three Lions boss.
The Swede, now 74, spent five years in charge of England, leading them to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 2004 European Championship in Portugal.
Over his time in charge, Eriksson — who later became Manchester City manager — had the luxury of choosing from some of England's finest ever talent, such as David Seaman, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Scholes. It was a rich pool of talent to pick from, meaning Eriksson faced a difficult task in settling on his preferred line-up, especially in midfield.
READ MORE: Louis van Gaal warns Jurrien Timber over potential Manchester United transfer
Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard were all thriving for United, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, meaning the three of them were competing for two spots in central-midfield. But instead of picking two of them and leaving one to settle for a place on the bench, Eriksson often deployed Scholes on the left side of midfield, even though that was not his natural position.
"If you look at all-round football, they are good, all of them," Eriksson recently told BBC Radio 5 Live. "To see Paul Scholes in a very, very good team... he could do everything with the ball; he didn't lose the ball, he could pass it short, pass it long and score goals.
"He was a fantastic football player and it was beautiful to see him play football. But what do you do with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham? You have to use them.
"If you take Beckham, he had special talents that nobody else had. Gerrard and
Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has given his take on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate – and has sided with his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate.
Who can blame a man for looking after his own back? While there may be a feeling that Louis van Gaal is trying to hit back at Manchester United in his apparent attempt to dissuade Jurrien Timber from making the move to Old Trafford, it's hard to imagine it's anything personal. Business is business.
In a week's time, Manchester United will regroup for their first pre-season under new manager Erik ten Hag in what is shaping up to be another seismic summer at the club.
Andy Burnham is spearheading a new taskforce which is hoped will enable fans to take ownership of Oldham Athletic FC. The Greater Manchester Mayor is bringing together fan groups to help with a community share offer, where fans would be able to buy a stake in the beleaguered club.
There are plenty of professional sportsmen who in their younger years were avid lovers of both football and cricket.
Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have already given their verdict on the possible arrival of Christian Eriksen at Old Trafford this summer.
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Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Thursday, June 9:
England forward Jarrod Bowen has revealed how he used to follow Manchester United as a youngster because of his inspiration David Beckham.
Manchester United are reportedly set for a key week as they look to secure the signature of Frenkie de Jong.