Paul Scholes highlights how 'sloppy' Manchester United can improve despite 3-0 win over Athletic Club

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has insisted that his former club were sub-par in the second half of their recent 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over Athletic Club.

Earlier this Thursday (May 1), Red Devils star Casemiro netted the opener with a header in the 30th minute. After Daniel Vivian's sending off, Bruno Fernandes doubled his team's lead in the 37th minute before scoring his second of the night in the 45th minute.

After the end of the Europa League semi-final first leg tie at San Mames, Scholes provided his two cents on Manchester United's performance. He remarked on TNT Sports (h/t Metro):

"I still think, in the second half, they were a little bit sloppy at times. I think they could have managed the game a little bit better, possibly gone for the fourth and fifth goals. But when you're playing against 10 men, you don't give the other team a sniff of the ball. I think if they kept the ball better, another goal would have come."

Scholes, who represented Manchester United 716 times, concluded:

"The one thing they didn't want was to concede a goal and that never looked like it was going to happen. At 3-0, this should be over, but it's United. These days, we don't really know what we're going to get. They have been beaten at home 3-0 by a couple of teams this year. You always go into it saying it's not over, but really from here it should be over and I think it is."

Ruben Amorim's outfit, who are 14th in the Premier League table, relished 73% possession earlier on Thursday. They recorded 14 shots, created five big chances, and completed 563 passes with 89% accuracy against the La Liga side.

Rio Ferdinand hails Manchester United veteran

During the second half of Manchester United's recent 3-0 win, Red Devils great Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on Casemiro. He said on TNT Sports (h/t Metro):

"I don't think Casemiro has put a foot wrong. He's been sensational tonight. He has been so disciplined. People have been talking about getting rid of him, his legs have gone etcetera. But I tell you what, he's come to the fore when they have needed him. He's coaching this team through this and it's a massive moment in the season for them."

Casemiro, 33, started the clash at Athletic Club in a double pivot beside Manuel Ugarte. Apart from scoring a goal, the Brazilian hit the woodwork once and completed 74 of his 87 passes on Thursday.

So far this term, Casemiro has made 38 total appearances for his club.