Paul Scholes absolutely loves watching ‘brilliant’ Tottenham star who Man United wanted to sign
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a flying start to life under Thomas Frank this season, with the new manager quickly stamping his authority on the North London club.
Heading into the international break, Spurs sit third in the Premier League table, having won four of their opening seven matches. Their form in Europe has been equally encouraging, with the team collecting four points from their opening Champions League fixtures. Frank’s tactical approach has brought a noticeable transformation—his emphasis on defensive discipline and structure marks a clear departure from Ange Postecoglou’s high-risk, attacking philosophy. The results have been immediate, as Tottenham now look like a more balanced and composed side capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
One player who has epitomised this new era at Spurs is Cristian Romero. The Argentine centre-back, who was handed the captain’s armband following Son Heung-min’s departure, has taken his leadership role in stride. Week after week, Romero has been a rock at the back—aggressive in the tackle, commanding in the air, and calm under pressure. His consistent performances have not only steadied Tottenham’s defence but also inspired the entire squad. Frank has gone as far as to label Romero “one of the best players in the world right now,” high praise that reflects just how vital the 26-year-old has become.
Former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has also taken note of Romero’s outstanding form. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes couldn’t hide his admiration for the fiery Argentine, saying:
> “I love Romero, me. I think he’s a nutcase, isn’t he? It’s brilliant. I love watching him.”
Scholes’ description might raise a few eyebrows, but it perfectly captures Romero’s intense, fearless playing style—one that has endeared him to both fans and pundits alike. His aggression, combined with his technical quality, makes him a complete modern defender.
Tottenham’s decision to secure Romero’s long-term future has also proven crucial. The World Cup winner recently committed to a new contract running until July 2029, signalling his belief in Frank’s project and his happiness in North London. The renewal came shortly after Atletico Madrid attempted to lure him away during the summer, but Spurs swiftly rejected their advances.
Interestingly, Atletico were not the only European powerhouse monitoring the Argentine. According to reports from TYC Sports, Tottenham received enquiries from Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. However, Spurs made their stance crystal clear—Romero was untouchable.
That resolve is now paying dividends. With the captaincy firmly in his hands and his leadership qualities shining through, Romero has become a cornerstone of Tottenham’s resurgence. For Manchester United, missing out on him might prove to be a costly mistake. Their defensive frailties have been well-documented, and Romero’s commanding presence could have been exactly what Erik ten Hag’s side needed.
Even fellow Argentine and Manchester City star Julián Álvarez has joined the chorus of admirers, recently describing Romero as “one of the best defenders in the world.”
In many ways, Romero represents the spirit of this new-look Tottenham team under Thomas Frank—disciplined, fearless, and determined to challenge the Premier League elite. With their captain leading by example and the manager’s philosophy taking hold, Spurs fans have every reason to believe that this could be the start of something truly special at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.