Following Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, former players Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick found themselves embroiled in a public spat. Scholes voiced his displeasure at the team's recent performances, particularly singling out Carrick, who is currently serving as Manchester United's interim head coach. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Scholes criticized the team, commenting on Carrick's leadership and hinting at the team's poor form over the last few games.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, both prominent figures in the football community, shared their reactions to Scholes' remarks and found the situation "weird." Their comments suggest a recognition of the awkwardness stemming from a former player publicly criticizing a peer, especially one who is in a coaching position. This reaction was echoed on social media, where fans debated the appropriateness of Scholes' comments and whether blame for the team's performance should be directed towards Carrick.

The social media reaction indicates a division among supporters, with some agreeing with Scholes' assessment of the situation and others feeling it was unfair to blame Carrick for the team's struggles. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by coaches and players alike in the hypercritical environment of football, especially when a storied club like Manchester United is involved, which raises questions about accountability and the pressures of leadership in sports.