Paul Scholes has harshly criticized Manchester United’s form under Michael Carrick, labeling the team ‘crap’ following their first defeat in eight games.
United fell 2-1 to Newcastle at St. James’ Park, where Carrick watched football as a child. William Osula delivered a stunning 90th-minute winner for the hosts, ending United’s unbeaten run.
The loss keeps United in third place in the Premier League, but the gap to sixth-placed Liverpool narrows to three points after Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Scholes’ Blunt Instagram Post
In a now-deleted Instagram story, Scholes wrote: ‘Michael has definitely got something special about him… cos United have been c***p last four games… night.’ He added a kissing face emoji, followed by ‘Tonali’ with a love heart emoji praising the Newcastle midfielder.
Prior to the Newcastle clash, United scraped a draw against relegation-threatened West Ham and secured narrow wins over Everton and Crystal Palace.
Doubts Over Carrick’s Permanent Role
Scholes, who shared the pitch with Carrick 160 times for United and England, recently argued against giving Carrick the permanent managerial position this summer.
On The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast, Scholes stated: ‘The perfect one out there – I say perfect – Ancelotti is still out there. I know he is coach of Brazil… 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. But the question is, is he too old now?’
Carrick brings head coaching experience from leading Middlesbrough in the Championship between 2022 and 2025 before taking the interim role at Old Trafford.
Scholes questioned Carrick’s credentials further: ‘The question is, has Michael got the experience? I know it’s a big question, I know he has managed in the Championship, but this is different. Can we see Michael winning the Premier League? I don’t know yet.’
He emphasized the need for a leader with proven trophy-winning experience, comparing Carrick to former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who excelled in man-management but lacked tactical depth without strong support staff.
