Paul Scholes sets record straight on Carrick comments, says results show talent even if United “haven’t played well” lately

Paul Scholes has clarified his comments on Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and has insisted he did not mean to criticise his ex-teammate with a social media post.

Scholes was accused of criticising Carrick following a social media post after the club's Premier League defeat to Newcastle. In an Instagram story, Scholes wrote: "Michael has definitely got something special about him... cos United have been crap last 4 games... night."

The comments were widely viewed as being sarcastic and critical, something Scholes has shut down.

"It was no way intended to be offensive to Michael. Michael is one of the nicest people you will meet in football. He'd be the last person that I'd want to offend," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.

"I messaged Michael anyway. I went Michael and I said 'Look, I never intended to upset you'. I don't think I needed to say that anyway and he told me himself he wasn't upset by it. I think people have just took it different from what was meant.

"The only thing I was saying was that I don't think they've played that well the last four games and he's still managing to get results. We (Manchester United) had the greatest manager in the world (Sir Alex Ferguson) and he always said sometimes you need a bit of luck. So with sendings off, and different things that happen through games, sometimes you do need a bit of luck. That's all I was saying."

When pointed out by former teammate Wes Brown that he had believed Scholes was criticising Carrick, the latter added: "From what Wes said, and I hadn't heard that before, was that I was saying he's a lucky manager. I wasn't saying that.

"I was saying he's a very talented manager because he's getting results with a team that, for the last four games since the West Ham game, I don't think have played very well, that's all."