Paul Scholes criticizes Man United, insisting they were “as bad as you'll see” for 80 minutes in Southampton's win, and claims stars need to “take a hard look” at themselves.

Paul Scholes claimed Manchester United played their worst for 80 minutes against Southampton, despite winning 3-1.

The Red Devils needed a hat-trick from Amad Diallo inside 12 minutes to avoid the blushes at Old Trafford on Thursday, with the youngster's first goal coming after 82 minutes.

Southampton were dangerous for much of the game as the hosts struggled to contain Kamaldeen Sulemana, Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes.

Scholes felt that his former team had been outplayed and that coach Ruben Amorim must have been internally furious at the performance.

“Over 80 minutes, that's as bad a performance as you'll see, especially against a team that was last in the league,” Scholes told TNT Sports.

“For 80 minutes they (Southampton) were much better than Manchester United, passing the ball, technically and tactically. Amad Diallo was the only bright spark.

Paul Scholes criticized Manchester United for “as poor a performance as you will see against Southampton”.

The Red Devils needed a hat-trick from Amad Diallo to save themselves against the worst team in the league

Leny Yoro came under particular criticism as he was exposed and fought against Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Despite a difficult start, United found the spirit necessary to come back and secure the victory.

“I still think the coach will be disappointed with this performance, against a team that struggles to score goals and concede. Amad is the only one who can take credit for this game tonight.

“I thought they were much better tactically and technically than Manchester United. Man United were really poor.

'The control when it came to Rasmus Hojlund was sometimes so poor that he kept returning it.

'Southampton was on a different level. It is only thanks to Amad Diallo that United won the game, the rest of the players, look closely.”

The Saints had not scored from a corner all season, but went into the break 1-0 up after Manuel Ugarte accidentally knocked down their set piece.

The visitors could have doubled their lead when Sulemana shot from close range early in the second half, but the shot was blocked by Matthijs de Ligt.

Diallo managed to inspire change and take home the player of the match award.

United have jumped three places to 12th in the Premier League after 21 games, while Southampton remain bottom with just six points, the worst record of any team at this stage of the season.

“Much better than Manchester United (for most of the game), the last 15 minutes we were like innocent children,” fumed Saints manager Ivan Juric.

'It's not a good mentality. To win this game you cannot play 75 minutes. During the last 15 minutes you have to be more malicious, more evil to win the game.”