Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on his former club to do more when it comes to attacking in big games, adding that Bruno Fernandes needs to step it up against better sides after another blank against a ‘big six’ rival.

United have drawn 0-0 home and away against Chelsea this season, as well as goal-less stalemates against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Fernandes leads the team in goals and assists this season – 35 combined in all competitions – and is the first United midfielder since Scholes himself in 2002/03 to go over 20 goals.

Only a consolation against Spurs have come against the established ‘big six’, although he has scored and got assists against the likes of Everton, Leicester, Aston Villa and West Ham – all of whom are currently higher in the table that at least one of Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Yet the inability to beat the other big clubs, despite it being a surprising strength of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side last season, is holding United back and there wasn’t enough about them to get a breakthrough against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“They’ve got to change it, the quality has got to be better,” a frustrated Scholes told Premier League media channels. “The big players have got to step up. Again, Fernandes. I can’t remember him doing anything. I don’t remember him creating a chance, I don’t remember him having a shot on goal.”

United face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night but will come up against Manchester City in a huge derby clash four days later.

The likes of Fernandes and United’s other attacking players will have to be at the top of their game to breach the Premier League’s best defence this season. It would also be a welcome boost if Paul Pogba is fit enough to return to action from a recent thigh injury.

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