Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand does not think a defensive axis of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof is strong enough to help the club win major trophies.
United's defence struggled at the beginning of the season but the Reds have looked steadier at the back since the October international break.
However, Ferdinand remains unconvinced that Maguire and Lindelof are capable of taking United to the next level.
"Is it good enough? I’d probably say no, if you’re trying to win the top competitions," Ferdinand told BT Sport. "Yes, last season they had a good defensive record, but I just see moments in games where they get opened up, they get physically dominated at times, especially in terms of pace, especially if their protection isn’t what you’d expect it to be if the game opens up a little bit.
"If the game opens up and they’re on the halfway line and they’re playing one-v-one or two-v-two, then I fear for my life in that situation. If the team shape is fine and it’s all set up properly, then they look a decent pairing.”
Scholes agreed with Ferdinand's assessment and pointed out how the duo look stronger when they have Fred and Scott McTominay playing as a pair in front of them.
“When they have the two (Fred and McTominay) in front of them, they look different," Scholes said. "They had that little bit of protection that’s helped them. Not all of them (need it).
"You’re a defender for a reason, you’re supposed to be okay one-on-one, sometimes it can take away the attacking side of the team which it has done in the last couple of games, especially against Chelsea on Saturday. Fred and McTominay have definitely made them look better players, and they’ll prefer that.”
