Paul Scholes has publicly criticised his former Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick following the club’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, who had been reduced to 10 men.
The United legend took to his Instagram story to express his frustration after the Red Devils failed to capitalise on Jacob Ramsey’s dismissal at the end of the first half.
Scholes wrote: “Michael has definitely got something special about him Cos Utd have been CRAP last 4 games Night! Tonali,” accompanied by a heart emoji.
The reference to Sandro Tonali relates to Scholes’ previous assertion on The Overlap Fan Debate that the Newcastle midfielder surpasses Arsenal’s Declan Rice in quality.
Many United fans were unhappy with Scholes’ decision, however. One supporter wrote: “Paul Scholes should go and sit down. Does he know how to coach?”
A second fumed: “Crap? They’ve been winning games since he came in as interim manager.. I think these ex man united player don’t have anything good going on in their lives so they hide behind media to drag people down with them.. What a sad lil man.”
Another wrote: “What hurt him so much that he hates Carrick that badly?”
And a fourth said: “This is rude.. this is his first loss btw. United legends are absolutely garbage when giving opinions about football.”
Newcastle were impressive in their 2-1 win over Man Utd
|
PA
Newcastle secured victory through an Anthony Gordon penalty and a spectacular late strike from substitute Will Osula.
Casemiro had brought United level with a header deep into first-half stoppage time, but the visitors were unable to build on that momentum against their depleted opponents.
Carrick conceded his side had fallen short at St James’ Park.
“We’re not happy with the performance tonight,” the interim manager said.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
“It was the way the game panned out and it was in our hands largely, but credit to Newcastle.”
He added: “I don’t think it was the 10 men, we just wasn’t good enough tonight.
“We can’t make any excuses for that. We all take responsibility for that and we know.”
Scholes and Carrick shared the pitch on 160 occasions between 2006 and 2013, claiming eight major honours together including five league titles and a Champions League triumph.
Those years of partnership appear to count for little when it comes to Scholes’ assessment of his former colleague’s managerial capabilities, however.
Carrick assumed control after Ruben Amorim was dismissed at the beginning of January, and results have generally improved under his stewardship.
Notable victories over Arsenal and Manchester City lifted spirits around the club, though recent performances against Everton, Fulham and Crystal Palace have drawn scrutiny from supporters and commentators alike.
Roy Keane has also questioned whether Carrick possesses the necessary “football knowledge” to lead United permanently.
Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were once teammates at Manchester United
|
PA
On his podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football this week, Scholes identified Carlo Ancelotti as the ideal candidate to take charge at Old Trafford following the World Cup this summer.
“The perfect one out there I say perfect Ancelotti is still out there. I know he is coach of Brazil,” Scholes said.
“He is the perfect one for Manchester United where you think he will make players feel a million dollars.
“And he has the experience of winning stuff.”
He did raise concerns about whether the Italian’s age might be a factor, suggesting United require “presence as a leader” from their next appointment.
Despite the criticism from club legends, United currently occupy third place in the Premier League and remain firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
