A Manchester United player reached out to Paul Scholes, seeking a meeting at the training ground to discuss Scholes`s critical remarks on television.
Paul Scholes, known for his outspoken nature as a pundit for TNT Sports and on The Overlap Fan Debate, has apparently ruffled feathers within the Manchester United squad.
One disgruntled member of the Red Devils took exception to Scholes`s commentary.
On The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes, speaking via Sky Bet, mentioned that an unnamed Manchester United player personally responded to his punditry.
Scholes commented, “Players can be quite sensitive nowadays.”
“This year, a player contacted me, expressing his unhappiness with some of my comments.”
“He proposed meeting at the training ground.”
“I agreed immediately and shared my phone number, but I haven`t heard back.”
“I was prepared to have that discussion. If I stand by my opinions and a player wants to understand my reasoning, I’m willing to explain, even if it becomes a difficult conversation.”
“I made it clear that if any player has an issue, they can reach out to me.”
Scholes did not disclose the identity of the player, amid what has been another challenging season for Manchester United, under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
He believes that criticism from the media and former players is inherent to professional football.
The Manchester United icon believes players should disregard pundit opinions, though he acknowledges it`s easier said than done.
Scholes added, “Pundit opinions should not affect a player`s performance.”
“Players should primarily focus on the views of their manager, coaching staff, and teammates.”
“TV commentary should be viewed with skepticism.”
“I doubt many players even watch football analysis these days.”
“One Manchester United player clearly disagreed with my statements, but it`s part of the job. You address it.”
“If clarification or a discussion is needed, I am open to it.”
“Currently, I mainly provide punditry for Manchester United matches.”
“I rarely cover other games because my focus is on watching and being present at United games.”
“Since I began this role, the team`s performances haven`t been stellar.”
“It`s unpleasant to criticize your former club, the club you represented for 20 years – it`s the last thing you desire.”
“It would be much easier if you were a Manchester City player for the past decade.”
“Given our current situation, it can make you seem like the antagonist.”
Jamie Carragher then shared his experience of being challenged by Daniel Sturridge for suggesting Liverpool should sell him.
The Sky pundit recounted, “It was Daniel Sturridge.”
“Interestingly, a couple of years after retiring, Liverpool invited Steven Gerrard and me to participate in an end-of-season game in Australia.”
“Liverpool struggled to sell enough tickets for the Australian stadium, so they asked Steve McManaman, Stevie, and me to play with the team.”
“Having previously said Liverpool should sell Daniel Sturridge, he confronted me in the dressing room upon our arrival.”
“I respected that. I thought, `Fair play to you, well done.`”
“There`s nothing worse than someone backing down, and I wasn`t going to.”
“If I were a player dealing with a journalist, I might challenge them, and some might apologize and retreat, but not in this case, he stood his ground.”
