Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro, claiming the trio no longer possess the physical capabilities required for Premier League football. The former Red Devils midfielder-turned-pundit believes all three have declined to a standard beneath what is necessary, arguing they lack both pace and strength.

Maguire, 32, and Shaw, 30, were both overlooked for Thomas Tuchel's England squad during the October international break, whilst concerns have persisted over 33-year-old former Real Madrid star Casemiro's fitness levels since his move to Old Trafford. Speaking to The Times, Scholes declared: "Shaw, Maguire, Casemiro, they've all been great players but they're at a stage of their career now where you get found out in the Premier League if you're not physically good enough.

"Their bodies are not athletic enough, they're not strong enough, they're not quick enough. They've dropped to a level where they can't cope with what's needed in the Premier League."

"Every player in the Premier League is an absolute machine. They've got five per cent body fat, they can run, they're strong, they can head it. Manchester United are carrying two or three players that are just not capable of living with it."

Looking ahead to Sunday's blockbuster clash with bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield, Scholes has suggested United were 'sucked into' acquiring the Brazilian, having handed over £70million to secure his services from Real Madrid three years ago.

"We got sucked into that one, and there's been quite a few like that," Scholes added.

Former United midfielder Nick Butt echoed his sentiments.

He said: "Real Madrid don't let their best players go. [Raphael] Varane and Casemiro were both unbelievable players [earlier] in their career.

"They've done more than I've ever done, so it's difficult to have a go at them, but Real Madrid don't sell their top players to a European rival in Man United."

Maguire is hoping to secure a new contract at Old Trafford, with his existing deal set to run out at the end of the campaign.