Steve Bruce doesn’t believe Paul Scholes’ recent remarks about Michael Carrick are helpful, but the former Manchester United defender has given the temporary head coach some advice on dealing with criticism after experiencing plenty during his own managerial career.
After playing for Manchester United between 1987 and 1996, Steve Bruce was a key player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence for many years.
Bruce was part of a formidable defensive partnership at United, formed with Gary Pallister. He also scored a remarkable 51 goals in 414 appearances before leaving Old Trafford to sign for Birmingham City.
In terms of honours, Bruce won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Jose Mourinho lost it with Paul Scholes during his time as Man Utd boss… was he right?
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Tom Heaton and Michael Carrick at St. James' Park
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Steve Bruce warns Michael Carrick to get used to criticism
Last time out, Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run as head coach came to an end as United lost 2-1 against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Scholes aimed criticism at Carrick after the match with an Instagram update about United’s recent performances under the 44-year-old, with whom he previously shared the dressing room.
While Scholes backtracked by trying to suggest he didn’t intend to have a dig at Carrick, he admitted to sending a text message to United’s head coach explaining his reaction.
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Wes Brown weighed in on Scholes’ comments by suggesting he initially thought his ex-teammate was having a dig at Carrick.
Former United defender Steve Bruce is the latest ex-player to have his say on Scholes’ critical remarks.
Bruce doesn’t believe Scholes’ criticism is helpful, but has warned Carrick to deal with it.
“And you think, it’s not particularly helpful,” Bruce told talkSPORT.
“Well, that’s an added pressure on the job because there’s so many people in the media from the club having their say.
“Even me, I’m now talking on radio. You know, I’m praising Michael because I think he’s done a remarkable job. And I think he, you know, he deserves maybe a crack at it.
“I can understand there’s a clamour. They say we should have somebody bigger and better and blah, blah, blah.”
When asked if United could have got a bigger name in midseason to succeed Ruben Amorim, Bruce added: “No, they did the right thing, he hit the ground running, which was great to see. A bit like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did.
“Yeah, it can’t be helpful. But look, if you’re going to be the head coach or manager of Manchester United, right, you’ve got to handle that criticism is going to come your way. In fact, if you’re the manager, full stop of any club in this profession, criticism is going to come.
“And especially now with, you know, social media the way it is, it’s out there in your face for everybody to see.”
As a manager who has dealt with plenty of criticism in the past, especially at Newcastle, where their fans went over the top with the abuse, Bruce’s advice carries weight.
Carrick should take Bruce’s comments on the chin because the only way to silence critics is by continuing to win football matches.
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
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Not the first time Paul Scholes has crossed a line
Earlier this year, Scholes was criticised for comments made about Lisandro Martinez ahead of United’s 2-0 win over Man City.
It was Carrick’s first game as head coach after returning to United, just two weeks after Amorim’s dismissal.
Martinez responded with a strong performance to keep Erling Haaland quiet in the derby.
Nicky Butt was also responsible for the ill-advised dig at Martinez.
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