PAUL SCHOLES SHARES MICHAEL CARRICK TEXT MESSAGE AFTER SPARKING MAN UTD BACKLASH

Paul Scholes has clarified his Instagram story was not intended as a dig at Manchester United boss Michael Carrick.

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."

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."

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OPINION: PAUL SCHOLES URGES RUUD VAN NILSTEROY TO LEAVE MAN UNITED AFTER MAKING AMAD CLAIM

Scholes has hailed both Amad and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy following Manchester United's win over PAOK

Ruud van Nistelrooy has one game left as Manchester United interim boss (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images

Amad was the darling of Old Trafford on Thursday night after his match-winning double against PAOK belatedly kick-started Manchester United’s Europa League campaign.

His brace marked the first time the 22-year-old had scored twice in a senior United match, trebling his goal tally for the season in the process. Amad was starting his first game under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who manages United for the final time on Sunday.

Amad has put himself in contention to start the clash with Leicester City and has won the support of Paul Scholes to do just that. The United legend also urged Van Nistelrooy to consider his next role to be a main manager, despite being willing to stay on as an assistant coach to Ruben Amorim.

Scholes backs Van Nistelrooy for new job

Scholes has encouraged Van Nistelrooy to think about leaving Old Trafford after his interim spell to take up another job in management, believing that he is too good to be a mere assistant.

The Dutchman oversaw 50 matches at PSV Eindhoven in his first senior managerial position. He left the club in May 2023 citing a lack of support from the board as his reason.

He was brought back to United as an assistant by Erik ten Hag this summer. However, Scholes says he is at risk of wasting his talents.

“I think he should be a manager, he just looks like he is made to be a manager to me,” Scholes told TNT Sports. “I don't think he should be anybody's, not puppet, but I think he is better than an assistant manager.”

MEN Sport says:Van Nistelrooy has yet to be beaten as United interim boss in a streak that stretches to three games. Wins over Leicester in the League Cup and PAOK in Europe were expected but the draw with Chelsea was commendable.

The performances in each match have not exuded much encouragement but it is hard to disagree that Van Nistelrooy has the persona to be a head coach again elsewhere. His love for United is clear but it does seem a waste - for his sake - to not explore his scope as a manager after this experience.

Scholes: Amad must start vs Leicester

Scholes also believes Amad deserves to start Sunday’s clash with Leicester after his exciting display against PAOK. Both Marcus Rashford (four goals) and Alejandro Garnacho (five) have scored more than Amad this season, who has started just seven of United’s 16 games so far.

However, Scholes says the Ivorian’s display on Thursday should mean he is named in Sunday’s line-up, provided the issue that forced him off before full-time against PAOK is not serious.

Speaking just after the final whistle, Scholes stated: “We saw him get a little bit of a knock, I am sure he will be ready to play on Sunday and that performance warrants it.”

MEN Sport says:Amad is not the finished product but he always excites and is positive, which puts him on a better footing than some alternative wing options. He ranks second within Europe’s top five leagues for ball-progressing runs - i.e. positive forward play.

The youngster does deserve to start at the weekend due to his superb brace and would put himself in a great position for good first impressions under Amorim should he put in another tantalising outing having started a game - something not always seen in the past.

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PAUL SCHOLES REVEALS MAN UNITED'S WORST SIGNING OF ALL TIME WITH £85M FLOP ANTHONY OVERLOOKED BY RED DEVILS LEGEND

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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes overlooked Antony as he named the club's worst signing of all time.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Scholes, who spent 20 years at Old Trafford and won multiple trophies including 11 Premier Leagues and two Champions League titles, revealed who he thinks is the club's worst signing of all time. While picking the player, the former midfielder chose to ignore Antony's name despite the Brazilian being a massive disappointment for the Red Devils.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Antony arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 on a five-year deal for a whopping £85million (€100m/$112m) from Ajax as Erik ten Hag looked to strengthen the team's attack. However, he has failed to live up to the expectations as he managed to score just 12 times in 82 appearances for the Manchester club and provided five assists.

WHAT PAUL SCHOLES SAID

Speaking on The Overlap’s Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the 49-year-old said, "You know what, I was going to go a bit further back than that. (Juan Sebastian) Veron was a good player, a great player in Europe and I'm not sure why it didn't work out for him. I go back to the goalkeepers, when we had to replace Peter Schmeichel which is always going to be difficult.

"Fabian Barthez was great, but I'm thinking more like (Massimo) Taibi, Mark Bosnich... I thought he was a good keeper at Villa, Mark. He came to us and was so unprofessional. Honestly, it was ridiculous. In shooting practice, you normally have like 15-20 minutes, after three shots he was knackered. And I never realised, he couldn't kick a football! Honestly, I'd never seen anything like it. We played Everton away first game of the season and none of us picked up on it - he couldn't reach the halfway line. And there was no wind, it was a perfect day. And then you look at his feet... size 14s. Honestly, he was just kicking the floor. Disappointment."

When asked about Antony, Scholes added, "But yeah, when you talk about the money - and the value for money, it's not been good has it? And think of (Alexis) Sanchez as well. Big disappointment from Arsenal. My worst one? I'm going to go for Bosnich."

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United are off to a nightmare start having lost two out of their first three matches including a latest 3-0 drubbing at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool. They will be back in action after the international break on September 14 as they face Southampton.

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