Paul Scholes has claimed that a "touchy" Manchester United player sought a meeting with him because he was unhappy with the club legend's criticism.
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Scholes now works as a punditA Man Utd player was offended by his harsh criticismWanted to meet him at CarringtonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Former United boss Erik ten Hag recently suggested that the psychological makeup of players has changed in the age of social media. He observed that many current professionals are more affected by external opinions than their predecessors due to the 24/7 scrutiny they face online.
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Ten Hag pointed out that today’s footballers are more inclined to internalise public criticism, often letting it impact their confidence and form. Scholes' story adds weight to that observation, showing how even commentary from respected voices within the club fraternity can spark emotional reactions.
Getty Images SportWHAT SCHOLES SAID
Speaking candidly, on , a panel discussion backed by Sky Bet, Scholes claimed to have been contacted by a current United player who was unhappy about his strong views.
"Players can be a little bit touchy these days," the United legend said. "I had a player [from United], this year, who contacted me and wasn’t happy with some of the things I’d said. He wanted to meet me at the training ground, and I said, 'Of course, no problem,' and gave him my number but he never got back to me."
Scholes emphasised that he stood by his views and was willing to have an honest and potentially uncomfortable discussion if the player wished.
“I would have done it," he insisted. "If I’m saying things I believe and he wants me to explain why, it wouldn’t have been a nice conversation, but I said if they or anyone else has a problem, there’s my phone number."
DID YOU KNOW?
While emotions may be running high off the pitch, United’s performances on it haven’t helped matters either. The Red Devils have picked up just two victories in their last eight Premier League matches, with those wins coming against relegation candidates Ipswich and Leicester.
