Paul Scholes' daughter Alicia sent a heartfelt message to her dad on social media after the Manchester United legend opened up about taking care of her autistic brother Aiden
Alicia Scholes
Alicia Scholes has shown support for her dad, Paul, on social media
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Paul Scholes' daughter, Alicia, has shown her unconditional support for her dad after he opened up on caring for his autistic son Aiden.
The Manchester United icon, who has split from his wife Claire, revealed he stepped away from his punditry work on live TV this season to focus on caring for and spending more time with his 20-year-old autistic son. "I made a decision this year because of Aiden, obviously due to his special needs you might know about," Scholes told the Stick to Football podcast.
"All the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I'm going to do it is around Aiden. We always do the same things with him as he doesn't know what day of the week it is or time.
"But he'll know from what we're doing what day it is. I pick him up every Tuesday from his daycare and we go swimming. Loves swimming then we get his pizza on the way home. Thursday pick him up, go for something to eat, go home. Sunday, I pick him up from Claire's house and we go to Tesco where he buys a trolley full of chocolate. So, he doesn't know what day or time it is, but he knows from what we're doing what day it is. He'll be 21 in December."
Alicia turned to Instagram to commend her father's bravery in discussing her brother's situation. She posted: "I've never known anyone hate talking about themselves more than you! I can only imagine how hard it was to speak about Aidie and the reality of a very very hard situation.
Paul Scholes, Alicia and Aiden
Paul Scholes with his daughter Alicia and son Aiden
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"My whole life your priority has always been being my dad, and growing up and realising how hard you had to work everyday alongside that is something I can't even comprehend. To achieve all you did takes so much sacrifice and hard work and somehow I still had you to take me to school every morning and be there at the end of each day, so present in every aspect of my life!
"If anyone met you they wouldn't have a clue the life you've lived, they'd just see a genuinely kind, polite, caring person. You don't care about people who don't matter, and out of everything that is the most valuable thing i have learnt from you. The thing I am proudest of is being your daughter, you are the best role model and father figure I could ever have, and you do it so effortlessly.
"Anyway well done on this episode dad it was amazing and if Aidie could tell you himself he would say you really are the best dad in the world, we love you millions."
The message attracted numerous responses, including one from United icon David Beckham, who commented: "Perfect words for your amazing dad."
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Alongside Alicia and Aiden, Scholes has another son called Arron. Alicia, a netball player who operates as a wing attack and centre, joined London Pulse in 2021.
She played a pivotal role in the club's historic victory in the Netball Super Cup in July 2025, marking their first ever win in the competition.
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