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"Michael certainly possesses something unique about him... because United have been terrible in their last 4 matches... goodnight 😘"
This was Paul Scholes' Instagram message following Manchester United's 2–1 loss to 10-man Newcastle United on Wednesday evening—marking the first defeat during Michael Carrick's management period.
The subsequently removed social media story represents the latest critique from United's iconic former midfielder, who has previously voiced his opinion that Carrick shouldn't be considered for the club's next permanent managerial position, irrespective of his performance in the role throughout the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign.
Scholes isn't alone among prominent ex-United players expressing these reservations.
Roy Keane, who secured every available trophy alongside Scholes during Sir Alex Ferguson's golden period, has similarly advocated for a prestigious appointment—someone possessing elite-level credentials, capable of restoring United to their previous heights while navigating contemporary challenges posed by dubious modern technology, excessive fan media outlets and amplified commentary from retired professionals that's promoted to generate social media traffic and interaction.
Ironically, such knowledge appears to complicate the position further—simply observe Ruben Amorim, Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and every other coach who has attempted to succeed Ferguson over the last 13 years.
Is Scholes Justified in His Criticism?
Is Scholes Justified in His Criticism?
Certainly, the outcome against Newcastle is frustrating. The Magpies competed with ten men for half the match, following Jacob Ramsey's dismissal just before halftime, yet United failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority.
They created opportunities to secure victory but couldn't breach Newcastle's goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. United were subsequently punished by an exceptional strike that William Osula would likely replicate only a few times if he attempted it 100 occasions.
"Yes, frustrated obviously, deeply frustrated," Carrick acknowledged after the match. "It stings tonight. We certainly arrived here in excellent form, hoping to gain something from the fixture, if not secure victory, and how it unfolded is clearly very frustrating. There's no question about that."
Before their journey to St James' Park, United had secured six victories from their seven Premier League fixtures under Carrick's leadership. That sequence featured wins against title-contending Manchester City and Arsenal—in consecutive matches nonetheless—and they've succeeded in four of four home encounters under Carrick (100%) versus five of 10 under former manager Amorim (50%).
Scholes may feel disappointed with the loss, but claiming United haven't performed for the previous four matches is exaggerated—they accomplished what was required in victories against Everton and Crystal Palace. It's simply inaccurate. Compared to Ferguson's exceptional standards? Certainly. But this represents a different period, in a different generation with different personnel.
Carrick's Response Reveals Everything
Carrick's Response Reveals Everything
The frustration from the defeat was clearly visible on Carrick's expression. He featured in 160 matches with Scholes across seven seasons, understanding the expectations at Old Trafford. He's also pragmatic, like his predecessors, recognizing that aspiring for improvement and experiencing setbacks can indeed happen simultaneously.
"Football is football and events occur during matches, sometimes favoring you, sometimes working against you but there are specific things we must accomplish," Carrick explained. "Naturally, we can improve, we can be significantly better. We've positioned ourselves well, in a reasonable spot with our displays and outcomes, so yes, tonight is painful."
United can find solace in Chelsea being the sole other Champions League qualification candidate to triumph midweek. They delivered a comprehensive victory over Aston Villa, who are beginning to falter following injuries to crucial players, while champions Liverpool surprisingly collapsed against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
This means United remain third, equal on points with Villa but possessing superior goal difference, and three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool. Therefore, while a disappointment is hard to accept, Scholes targeting Carrick in this manner appears like another unnecessary attack.