Scholes 'surprised' Man Utd duo didn't start at Leeds and criticises Solskjaer

Paul Scholes criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s upbeat comments after Manchester United’s goalless draw with Leeds and said he was ‘surprised’ both Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani started on the bench at Elland Road.

Chances were few and far between in Sunday afternoon’s stalemate, with United forward Marcus Rashford closest to breaking the deadlock with a well-hit free-kick shortly before the half-time break.

The result – which ended United’s run of five successive wins in all competitions – means runaway leaders Manchester City have a 10-point advantage at the top of the table with five matches remaining of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s men require just two more wins to clinch what would be the club’s fifth title since the Premier League era began.

Reflecting on United’s drab draw at Leeds, Scholes told Premier League Productions: ‘Manchester United tried more than I think Leeds did to win the game which you’d expect.

‘I was surprised Pogba didn’t start the game, surprised Cavani didn’t start the game. It took him a long time to bring him on as well and chances were few and far between.

‘Marcus Rashford’s dipping free-kick was probably the closest they came.’

Despite United dropping points versus Marcelo Bielsa’s stubborn Leeds side, Solskjaer praised his players’ performance and felt they were especially dominant in the second half.

‘I thought we played well, I thought we played really well,’ the United head coach told Sky Sports.

‘In the second half I thought we dominated, didn’t really give any chances away, just didn’t have the ball to ball correctly for us second half in the chances, the big moments.

‘We had some decent chances but unfortunately we couldn’t take them.

‘When two teams meet you create problems, you solve problems, your position gives you things to think about and I think also we made them adjust to us and of course we have to adjust to them because they are a unique team.

‘But I thought we did that really well. We put a really big shift down, worked hard and in the second half I’ve seen Leeds so many times run over teams.

‘I thought it was quite the opposite second half for us.’

Scholes was taken aback by the positive nature of Solskjaer’s post-match interview and said United should be using such games as ‘practice’ for possible title run-ins down the line.

‘I get the impression he’s a little bit happy with that draw and I don’t think he should be,’ the legendary ex-United midfielder added.

‘Not against a Leeds team without probably their best player in Raphinha.

‘If it’s this time next year and United are going close for the league, it should be used as practice for a run-in where there’s big pressure. You need to go to these places and win games.

‘They should be trying to take Manchester City all the way. All the way and as far as they possibly can now to put pressure on them. Use it as practice and as pressure to win those big games.

‘Going there with a performance like that won’t be acceptable.’

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