PAUL SCHOLES feels like Manchester United are “begging” in how they have gone about their business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The Red Devils co-owner, 72, performed several interviews last week.
Man Utd also confirmed their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, having received Government backing to fund the wider regeneration project.
Under-fire Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.
“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.
“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”
Scholes, 50, remains sceptical over Ratcliffe’s promises.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the club legend said of the Ineos chief: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.
“Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.
“For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”
Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe also made a huge claim about United’s finances.
The United co-owner said: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.
“Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?
“Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?
“What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”
Man Utd signed two players during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the helm.
Teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu was recruited from Serie A side Lecce.
Ratcliffe last week gushed over the job Amorim is doing at Old Trafford, despite United being entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League.
The British billionaire said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.
“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.
“You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.
“How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.
“We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”
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