Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has doubled down on his opposition to Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment, launching a scathing critique after the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Despite a headed equalizer from Casemiro in a chaotic first-half stoppage time, United failed to capitalize on a man advantage following Jacob Ramsey’s red card, ultimately falling to a late William Osula strike. The result marks the first blemish on Carrick’s record since he returned to the Old Trafford dugout as interim manager in January, bringing a sudden end to his seven-game unbeaten streak.
The legendary playmaker, who has been vocal about the club needing a more decorated figure like Carlo Ancelotti to lead the long-term project, utilized social media to vent his frustrations. In a pointed Instagram post shared shortly after the final whistle at St James’ Park, Scholes suggested that the team’s recent performances have been far below the required standard, regardless of previous results. He argued that the “honeymoon period” under his former teammate has masked deep-seated issues that have been prevalent over the last fortnight.
“Michael has definitely got something special about him…cos Utd have been crap last 4 games night,” Scholes wrote.
The critique comes at a sensitive time for the United hierarchy, who are currently weighing their options before the June deadline. While Carrick had successfully propelled the club to third in the Premier League table, Scholes maintains that the quality of play in recent outings—including narrow wins over Crystal Palace and West Ham—indicates a lack of the tactical depth necessary to challenge for the title next season. For Scholes, the defeat in Tyneside was merely a confirmation of a “downward trend” in performance levels that had been brewing for several weeks.
“Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes has aimed a dig at caretaker manager, Michael Carrick after the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday. Carrick watched as Newcastle defeated Man United at St James’ Park, as Casemiro’s goal was not enough to give the visitors a point. It was Carrick’s first defeat as Man United’s manager since his second return to Old Trafford in January.”
As United prepares for a pivotal clash against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa, the pressure is mounting on Carrick to prove his skeptics wrong. With Scholes continuing to champion a high-profile pursuit of the Brazilian national team coach, every dropped point under the current interim regime will likely be met with further scrutiny from the “Class of ’92” star. For now, Carrick faces the challenge of revitalizing a squad that Scholes believes has lost its way, despite their lofty position in the standings.
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