United Must Resist Scholes' Siren Song on Romero - The Tottenham Liability They Don't Need

Almost precisely three years on from Manchester United's much-publicised commitment to a 'no dickheads policy' – a directive that emerged, one suspects, from some LinkedIn rabbit hole Richard Arnold tumbled down – the Red Devils have largely succeeded in purging their ranks of troublemakers. The hard part wasn't spotting the existing problems; it was resisting the urge to invite fresh ones through the door.

Ruben Amorim, whatever his tactical shortcomings, deserves credit for identifying and shipping out four such characters last summer. Yet the dressing room remains far from sanitised, nor should it be entirely. United's greatest sides contained players with sharp edges. The difference? They delivered on the pitch.

The dickheads worth avoiding are those who don't.

Enter Cristian Romero and, more problematically, Paul Scholes' enthusiastic endorsement of him.

The former United midfielder, now firmly embedded in podcasting's dickhead renaissance, has made clear his affection for the Tottenham captain. "I love him," Scholes declared. "I love watching him play football. He's pissed off at Spurs, isn't he? He doesn't want to be there. He's having a go at the crowd, he's having a go at the board, I think his head has checked out a little bit. But I would love him at Manchester United. I just love his character."

Romero is undoubtedly a fine defender – powerful, commanding, useful at both ends. But his character is precisely the concern.

Saturday's performance at Old Trafford told the story. Less than thirty minutes in, the Spurs skipper collected a red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro, studs first into the ankle. The timing was catastrophic, undermining whatever legitimate grievances he'd aired about his club's board in the build-up to the fixture. Spurs fans had sung his name in solidarity; he repaid them by leaving his manager in deeper trouble and his team a man light.

Thomas Frank attempted to defend his captain afterwards, suggesting Romero remains a young leader capable of learning. But here's the rub: Romero will be 28 when next season begins. He's been a senior professional for a decade, spent five years at Tottenham, and accumulated over 250 appearances across Serie A and the Premier League. He's a World Cup winner of four years standing with fifty Argentina caps to his name. If the penny hasn't dropped by now, it's not dropping.

For United, the temptation carries obvious appeal. Yet they've burned themselves too many times on expensive, volatile defenders waiting for reformation that never arrives. Lisandro Martinez already provides an Argentina centre-back option, and quality defensive partners aren't exactly scarce in the market.

Scholes' own reasoning actually proves the case against recruitment. If Tottenham's scrutiny has fuelled Romero's instability, what does United's infinitely brighter spotlight promise? A meltdown of grander proportions?

The Atletico Madrid link makes considerably more sense. There, Romero might find a kindred spirit in Diego Simeone – two uncompromising personalities potentially destined to either flourish spectacularly or combust memorably. For United, moving on is the sensible choice, regardless of how persuasively Scholes makes the case. Some temptations are best resisted.