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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged his former club to hijack Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, arguing that the Argentina international has the pedigree and elite quality Old Trafford desperately needs in central defense.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes identified center-back as the single most critical position requiring reinforcement. Despite acknowledging the defender’s fiery temperament, Scholes believes the 2022 World Cup winner is too good an opportunity to pass up at an estimated valuation of £30 million to £40 million.
What Scholes Said
Addressing the potential skepticism surrounding the transfer target, Scholes pulled no punches about Romero’s chaotic streak while praising his top-level defensive ability:
“You might laugh at this, and I might get stuck for this, but I would go and sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham. I know he’s a nutter, I know he’s got disciplinary issues, but he can be a very good center-half and someone that Michael Carrick could really calm down.”
“They’re talking about £30 or £40 million for a player who has played center-half and won the World Cup. Now, like I said, I know he’s got issues, disciplinary issues… but I think they’re desperate for a center-back; the current ones aren’t good enough.”
Why Scholes Believes It Works
Scholes pointed to two key factors behind his recommendation:
- Managerial Calming Influence: Scholes singled out Michael Carrick as the ideal figure to manage Romero’s aggressive tendencies, suggesting a calm, composed head on the touchline could refine the Argentine’s tactical discipline without stripping away his competitive edge.
- Pedigree at a Reasonable Fee: In a market where Premier League-proven defenders routinely command steep valuations, Scholes views fees around £30m–£40m for an established World Cup-winning defender as remarkable value for money.
Manchester United’s Defensive Context
United’s central defensive depth remains under scrutiny ahead of the new campaign:
| Defender | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Lisandro Martínez | Class option, but hampered by recurring fitness problems. |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Sidelined long-term with an injury. |
| Harry Maguire | Entering the final phase of his contract. |
| Leny Yoro | Still adapting to the intensity of English football. |
With Atlético Madrid pushing to secure Romero’s signature, Scholes believes United should act decisively to bring the aggressive Spurs stopper to Old Trafford instead.