The whole coaching staff should have been sacked, says United legend. Carrick rejects criticism

Legendary English midfielder Paul Scholes took a swipe at the coaching team around Michael Carrick in the BT Sport studio ahead of Manchester United’s match against Villarreal. Carrick and the other coaches were already in the team under Solskjaer, but only the head coach was removed after Saturday’s 1-4 defeat to Watford. That was heavily criticised by the 11-time English champions on Monday.

Paul Scholes works for the television station BT Sport as a football expert and commentator. Although he and Carrick have played a lot together and are certainly long-time friends, he was very frank in his assessment of his former club and teammate.

“We came to the conclusion that Ole probably couldn’t take us to the next level that we needed. In previous seasons he has taken us to second place in the Premier League, to the Europa League final or to several cup semi-finals, but he simply couldn’t make that final step,” the former England midfielder let slip.

“It’s a difficult task, you’ve got Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, there’s a lot of quality in the Premier League and getting United to where they belong in the future won’t be easy for anyone,” summed up Scholes.

“If you ask me if we will be better, I have to say that the same people are still running the team. Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna or Mike Phelan were Solskjaer’s assistants, his closest collaborators, they prepared the team. They are also responsible,” Scholes criticises United’s coaching staff.

“Ole took his responsibility, but his coaching team should have left as well. Solskjaer trusted them every week to prepare the team for the games. They let the club, the fans and the players down. Just like Ole,” added the 47-year-old former midfielder.

Scholes’ criticism was also a topic for journalists at the press conference after the ultimately victorious 2-0 win against Villarreal. “Today’s result is not about me. It’s about the club and the players,” Carrick began.

“Ed Woodward asked me to take this role and I think I did the right thing. From my position, I’m responsible for the management of the team. Which I appreciate immensely,” the interim Manchester United coach added.

Source: Mirror, The Independent