Paul Scholes delivers verdict on Juan Mata’s display in Liverpool v Man United

Paul Scholes has claimed that Juan Mata “looked like a 10-year-old” during Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the Europa League last week.

The Spanish playmaker was given the captain’s armband by manager Louis van Gaal for the game but he failed to make an impact as Jurgen Klopp’s side took the initiative in the last 16 tie.

Van Gaal’s decision to hand Mata the armband raised some eyebrows after the Spaniard was sent off during the 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League last weekend.

And Scholes admitted that Mata’s performance at Anfield on Thursday night left a lot to be desired.

Speaking to the Daily Mail while looking ahead to next week’s return leg at Old Trafford, Scholes said: “They need to get the players into the game.

“Anthony Martial and Juan Mata were ineffective here [at Anfield]. They got bullied. Mata looked like a 10-year-old at times.

“Memphis? You just don’t know what you are going to get from him.

“But you need to get the ball to these players to see what they can do. They will have more time to do that at Old Trafford.”

Manchester United take on West Ham at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon.

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The Red Devils then host Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night.