Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has openly criticised the team’s recent performances under manager Michael Carrick, describing the side as having “been crap” in their last four matches. Scholes delivered his verdict on social media following United’s latest defeat, adding another voice to the growing scrutiny around the club’s current form.
Scholes, who enjoyed a decorated career at Old Trafford and is widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest midfielders, has never shied away from offering strong opinions on United’s direction since retiring. His latest comments focused on what he sees as a concerning dip in standards over the recent run of games, pointing to a level of play he believes falls short of the club’s expectations.
Carrick, a former teammate of Scholes during their time together at United, moved into coaching after retiring as a player and eventually took on the manager’s role. The pair shared midfield duties for several seasons and were part of multiple trophy-winning sides, which adds an extra layer of interest to Scholes’ public criticism. While debate among former teammates is not unusual in modern football, Scholes’ blunt assessment underscores the frustration felt by some observers about United’s current trajectory.
In his social media post, Scholes did not go into tactical detail but focused on the overall level of performance and results over the four-match spell. His remarks quickly drew attention from supporters and pundits, sparking discussion about the team’s style of play, intensity, and consistency. Some fans echoed Scholes’ concerns, while others defended Carrick and the squad, pointing to the challenges of maintaining form over a long season.
There has been no public response from Carrick regarding Scholes’ comments. The club has also not issued any formal statement addressing the criticism. Inside the dressing room, players and staff are expected to concentrate on preparing for upcoming fixtures, with the priority on turning performances around on the pitch.
The episode highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding Manchester United, where former players often retain a prominent voice in the public conversation about the club. Scholes’ stature as a multiple-time league champion and Champions League winner ensures that his words carry influence among a portion of the fan base.
As the season continues, results and performances will determine whether Scholes’ comments are viewed as an early warning or an overreaction to a difficult spell. For now, they serve as a reminder of the high expectations that continue to surround Manchester United and its managers, especially from those who helped shape the club’s most successful eras.