In a candid chat on “The Overlap,” Manchester United legend Paul Scholes did not mince words as he singled out former goalkeeper Mark Bosnich as the club’s worst signing due to his “unprofessional” behaviour at Old Trafford. Scholes, who graced the pitch for United throughout a storied career, recalled the disappointing spells of several flops, including Juan Sebastian Veron and Angel di Maria, but insisted Bosnich tops the list owing to his poor professionalism.
Scholes said, “Veron was indeed a prodigiously talented player. His difficulties didn’t stem from a lack of ability. But in replacing a goalkeeper like Peter Schmeichel, you needed consistency and professionalism, two qualities lacking in Bosnich. At Aston Villa, he showcased solid performances, but once he donned the United jersey, the cracks appeared.”
The former midfielder recounted one particular episode that captured Bosnich’s shortcomings. “In our practice sessions, it became laughable. After just a handful of shots, he’d be too tired to continue, almost pleading for someone else to step in. His inability to kick the ball properly was astonishing. During a match against Everton, with perfect weather conditions, he couldn’t even punt the ball past the halfway line.”
Sir Alex Ferguson, in his 2013 autobiography, echoed Scholes’ sentiments, describing Bosnich as a “terrible professional.” Ferguson lamented how the transfer was a hasty decision in the aftermath of Schmeichel’s retirement announcement. Despite being aware of Bosnich’s off-field issues, Ferguson confessed, “The Bosnich signing was a regrettable misstep, one compounded by my inability to convince Martin Edwards to pursue Edwin van der Sar instead.”
While Bosnich rebuffed Ferguson’s criticisms, claiming they were untruthful, he acknowledged the two had their fallouts. He countered in an interview with FourFourTwo, “Sir Alex signed me twice, which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t shown ability. Admittedly, our relationship frayed, but these things happen in football.”
Despite the storied history of Old Trafford boasting far more highs than lows, Bosnich’s tenure seems to perpetually linger as a cautionary tale for the modern-day Red Devils, who continue to navigate the complexities of top-tier signings.