Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro, claiming the trio are no longer capable of meeting the physical demands of Premier League football. The Old Trafford legend-turned-pundit believes all three have declined to a standard that falls short of what's required, arguing they lack the necessary strength and pace.

Both Maguire, 32, and Shaw, 30, were overlooked for Thomas Tuchel's England squad during the October international break. While concerns have persisted over 33-year-old former Real Madrid star Casemiro's fitness levels ever since his move to Manchester.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, via 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."

Ahead of Sunday's crucial clash with bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield, Scholes has revealed he believes United were 'sucked into' acquiring the Brazilian midfielder, having splashed out £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 admitted.

His former United team-mate Nick Butt concurred, adding: "Real Madrid don't let their best players go. [Raphaël] 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."

Meanwhile, Maguire is eyeing a fresh contract at Old Trafford, with his current agreement set to run out at the end of the season. It remains to be seen if he can convince the club's hierarchy to hand him another extension, although he does have boss Ruben Amorim in his corner.

Man Utd trio told they're finished and bodies 'aren't up to it' as Paul Scholes lets loose - The Mirror