Paul Scholes has slammed Manchester United’s midfielders on Instagram following Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat against Brighton.The United legend, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest English midfielders of all time, was heavily critical of Fred and Scott McTominay during and after the match.Scholes, while on punditry duty for an overseas feed, said when United were 2-0 down at half-time: “McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor. I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again, he’s running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous.“It could easily have been a red card. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players.“With Fred and McTominay, he [Erik ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay is trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.”Watch that clip here:

What did Scholes say about Man Utd's midfielders on Instagram?

Then, on Monday morning, Scholes posted a pointed message to Fred and McTominay via his Instagram story: “Thoughts for the week “MDF’s it’s all about body shape when receiving the ball, too many times facing their own goal and can only play one way… get on the ‘half turn’ for f*** sake and bring your forward more talented players in to the game’ … Have a great week everyone.”

Scholes clearly feels that United’s under-fire midfielder pair aren’t doing the basics during games at the moment and voiced his thoughts on social media.

“And over on Instagram Scholesey has snapped,” former United captain Gary Neville said on Twitter with a screenshot of his mate’s post.

Plenty of United’s fans, however, will be in complete agreement with Scholes at the time of writing.

Fred and McTominay aren’t the only Man Utd players who need to improve after such a disappointing team performance on the opening weekend of the new season, but an increasing number of fans are losing faith in the duo’s qualities.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Fred after their team's second goal, an own goal from Davy Propper of Brighton and Hove Albion , during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on November 10, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong shows his world-class ability...

Hours after United’s defeat to Brighton, meanwhile, Ten Hag’s primary midfield transfer target Frenkie de Jong went viral with a sublime moment of quality during Barcelona’s 6-0 win over Pumas at Camp Nou.

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Man Utd embarrassed by Brighton (Football Terrace)