Patrice Evra has launched a scathing critique against fellow Manchester United legend Paul Scholes over what he described as an 'unnecessary' comment directed at caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The former defender expressed his disappointment in Scholes' social media post, which appeared to take a swipe at Carrick's recent management record.
Scholes' Controversial Instagram Remark
Following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to ten-man Newcastle United at St James' Park last week, Paul Scholes took to Instagram with a pointed message about Carrick's tenure. "Michael has definitely got something special about him... cos Utd have been crap last 4 games... night," Scholes wrote before later deleting the post. This comment came despite Carrick's impressive start that saw United win seven of his first eight games and climb back into Champions League contention.
Evra's Blunt Response to Former Teammate
"I hope Paul Scholes' Instagram story is fake, I hope he was hacked," Evra told Stake in a candid interview. "To be honest, I'm not surprised at that from Scholesy. He was the quietest player I've ever played with in my entire career. Now, in the media, he drops bombshells."
Evra emphasized his frustration with what he perceives as a lack of support for Carrick from United legends. "I really don't understand the lack of support behind Michael Carrick, he's one of us and he's doing very well. There's been negative analysis from Scholesy, but also from Roy Keane and Gary Neville."
The Broader Criticism from United Legends
The former French international expanded his criticism to include other Manchester United icons who have questioned Carrick's suitability for the permanent managerial position. "It annoys me because we want to be in the top four, and those comments are unnecessary, but this is what you do when you work in TV. You can't be positive, you have to be negative," Evra stated.
Turning specifically to Gary Neville, who has repeatedly suggested United should look beyond Carrick for their next permanent manager, Evra referenced Neville's own brief and unsuccessful managerial stint at Valencia. "Most of these guys get a managerial job and get fired straightaway. I said to Neville: 'It's easy to talk on TV. When you were at Valencia, they asked you for paella, and you gave them fish and chips.' After three months, they said goodbye."
Defending Carrick's Record
Evra strongly defended Carrick's performance, noting: "Michael Carrick's record is seven games, one draw and one loss. That's the situation right now. Carrick is the man of the moment and has done really well. We should be behind him and support him."
Under Carrick's temporary leadership, Manchester United have surprised many by remaining unbeaten in most matches and climbing to third position in the Premier League table. This resurgence has sparked debate about whether United should make Carrick's appointment permanent rather than risk disrupting the team's momentum.
Shearer's Perspective on the Situation
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer also weighed in on the controversy, expressing surprise at Scholes' criticism of his former teammate. "I don't know if there's a friendship between Scholes and Carrick, I guess when they've been former teammates and guys who have been fighting together on the pitch then it probably is a bit surprising that an ex-teammate would say that against you," Shearer told Betfair.
Shearer acknowledged United's mixed performances but emphasized their results: "Did Paul Scholes say something along the lines of United being really poor in some games? I mean, they might have been poor, but they've been getting the results."
Looking Ahead to Crucial Fixtures
Manchester United now face a critical test as they prepare to host top-four rivals Aston Villa at Old Trafford next Sunday. The match represents an opportunity for Carrick to silence his critics and strengthen United's position in the Champions League qualification race.
Evra concluded with a warning about the impact of former players' commentary: "People can't forget what they have done as a manager. As players, they're legends, but as managers, they haven't done a great job. So for them to speak and possibly kill the career of a manager, it's a little bit too much."
The public disagreement among Manchester United icons highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding the club's managerial situation and the divided opinions about Carrick's future at Old Trafford.
