Scholes tells Solskjaer how being "aggressive" will help Ronaldo at Man Utd

Paul Scholes has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to adopt a more "aggressive" mentality to help Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo-led attack.

The Old Trafford legend highlighted an overdue change in midfield which will help United unleash their "exciting" forwards and make up lost ground in the title race.

The Red Devils sit fourth in the Premier League but their promising start to the season came to an abrupt halt with a defeat by Aston Villa and draw with Everton.

Solskjaer selected Scott McTominay and Fred in midfield for the two Old Trafford fixtures, leaving many fans frustrated by the defensive-minded pairing.

Paul Scholes insists Scott McTominay can play as Manchester United's sole holding midfielder ( Image:

REUTERS)

Scholes has no doubts over McTominay's quality, but he is concerned by United's lack of "balance" in the centre of the park.

The former England midfielder would like to see Solskjaer take a leaf from Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's books by naming McTominay as the sole holding midfielder in a more attacking line-up.

"I think he's got everything, he's athletic, he can get around the pitch, he's got great ability as well," said Scholes of McTominay. "He's capable of sitting in that position."

Speaking on the Webby & O'Neill YouTube channel, Scholes explained why this significant midfield change will help Ronaldo and his forward colleagues.

"That's the difference between United and I think Liverpool and City - they are much more aggressive, more attack-minded," added the 46-year-old.

"You think of City going away to Chelsea, they play one holding midfield player and almost play six or seven forward players - that's the difference in mentality.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo the best player in the world right now? Cast your vote here!

"I think if Ole can get that right with that balance in the team… going forward I don't think is a problem. Going forward we've got so many exciting players with Cristiano coming."

Scholes is confident United can operate with one holding midfielder as he has been impressed by recent defensive performances.

The Red Devils have conceded six goals in seven Premier League games and Raphael Varane has slotted in seamlessly at centre-back following his £40million arrival from Real Madrid this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his attacking colleagues would benefit from the midfield change, claims Paul Scholes

"Defensively we look great, everything's there," said Scholes. "It just seems to be getting that one person in the middle of the pitch right, that balance of the team.

"But once he (Solskjaer) gets that, I think we'll be alright."

United's defence will be further bolstered after the international break, when Harry Maguire could return from a calf injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat by Villa.

The 28-year-old faces a race to be fit for the trip to Leicester City next Saturday, and Victor Lindelof could keep his spot in the XI if Maguire is unable to start.