Manchester United have denied any notion that Michael Carrick or the club want Marcus Rashford back at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Financially, a return doesn’t make sense - his wages are too high and his contract, which runs until 2028, increases as he approaches 28-years-old.
(Source: @AndyMitten)
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| Paul Scholes speaking on his podcast (Image: YouTube/The Good, the Bad and the Football Podcast) |
Paul Scholes has insisted that the remarks he posted on an Instagram story last week were never meant as criticism of Michael Carrick, and says the Manchester United head coach took no offence after the pair discussed the matter privately. The former midfielder, 51, sparked controversy on social media after Carrick's side lost at Newcastle last Wednesday.
In an Instagram story, a written message from Scholes stated: "Michael has definitely got something about him...cos United have been crap last 4 games...night." Many interpreted Scholes' remarks as an attack on Carrick, who has presided over a significant upturn in form since replacing Ruben Amorim. The Newcastle loss represented his first setback since succeeding Amorim. Among those taken aback was Patrice Evra, with the former United left-back suggesting he hoped Scholes had been 'hacked'.
However, Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, clarified matters on Monday following the criticism that he faced for his comment.
He said: "It was in no way intended to be offensive towards Michael. Michael's one of the nicest people in football, he would be the last person I want to offend.
"I messaged Michael anyway. I went straight to him and said 'Look I had no intention of upsetting you'. I don't think I needed to say that anyway, and he told me himself he wasn't upset by it.
"I think people have just taken it differently from what was meant. The only thing I was saying was that I don't think they played that well the last four games and he's still managing to get results.
"We had the greatest manager in the world and he always said sometimes you need a bit of luck. So with sending-offs and different things that happen through games, sometimes you do need a bit of luck, that's all I was saying."
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| Michael Carrick has won six and lost one of his eight games in charge this season (Image: Getty Images) |
The loss against the 10-man Magpies represents the sole blemish on Carrick's record since taking charge of United in mid-January. He appeared equally frustrated as Scholes following the 2-1 defeat at St James' Park.
"We're not happy with the way we played the game. The way it panned out, it was in our hands largely, but credit to Newcastle," he remarked afterwards.
"We navigated to be in a position where we felt we should kick on. We didn't, really, so bitterly disappointed. I don't think it was the 10 men, we just didn't play good enough and we can't make excuses."
- Dan Marsh
Former footballer Joey Barton has been arrested as well as a second suspect after a man was assaulted near a golf club.
It happened on Sunday at 21:00 GMT in Fairway, near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Merseyside.
Officers arrived at the scene and found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, Merseyside Police said.
A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of wounding. Both men remain in custody for questioning.
Police said the victim was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs.
Barton played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Rangers.
The midfielder then moved into management after his retirement from playing football in 2017.
- Lauren Hirst
