Paul Scholes has spoken out to clarify his Instagram comments about Michael Carrick following Manchester United's defeat to Newcastle after he received major backlash
09:28, 10 Mar 2026
Paul Scholes speaking on a podcast
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Paul Scholes has clarified his Michael Carrick comments(Image: YouTube/The Good, the Bad and the Football Podcast)
Paul Scholes insists comments he posted on an Instagram story last week weren't meant as a swipe at Michael Carrick, who he says wasn't bothered after chatting with the Manchester United head coach.
The former midfielder, 51, sparked controversy on social media following Carrick's team's defeat to 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 a criticism of Carrick, who has presided over a notable upturn in form since replacing Ruben Amorim, with the Newcastle loss being only his first defeat in charge. Amongst those was Patrice Evra, with the former United left-back expressing hope that Scholes had been 'hacked'.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager against Newcastle(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
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However, Scholes, appearing on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, clarified matters on Monday following the outcry over his remarks.
He stated: "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.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes of Manchester United pose with the Premier League trophy at the start of the Premier League trophy winners parade on May 13, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes lifted five Premier League titles together(Image: Matthew Peters, Manchester United via Getty Images)
"I think people have just taken it differently from what was meant," Scholes continued. "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."
The loss to the 10-man Magpies remains the only blemish on Carrick's record since taking charge of United in mid-January. And he appeared equally frustrated as Scholes following United's 2-1 defeat at St James' Park.
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"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 said post-match.
"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."