Manchester United Icon Patrice Evra Fires Back at Three Legends Over Michael Carrick Criticism

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has strongly criticised club legends Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, accusing them of unfairly undermining Michael Carrick’s managerial prospects.

Evra, who won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, did not hold back as he addressed the ongoing criticism directed at Carrick. The former left-back questioned whether the trio were in a position to judge Carrick’s coaching ability, pointing to their own struggles when they ventured into management.

In recent weeks, the three pundits have been vocal about their doubts regarding Carrick’s suitability as Manchester United’s long-term manager. Scholes, in particular, sparked debate with a blunt social media post—later deleted—criticising the team’s performances under Carrick.

Speaking to Stake, Evra expressed disbelief at Scholes’ remarks and the tone of the criticism coming from his former teammate.

“I really hope that Paul Scholes’ Instagram story wasn’t real and that maybe his account had been hacked,” Evra said. “But honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked if it was him. Scholesy was one of the quietest players I ever shared a dressing room with. Now that he’s working in the media, he often makes very strong statements.”

Evra admitted that he finds the negative commentary surrounding Carrick frustrating, insisting that the former midfielder deserves more support from people who once shared the Manchester United dressing room with him.

Evra Questions their Credentials in Management

The Frenchman went on to defend Carrick’s work and criticised what he sees as a lack of unity among former players.

“I don’t understand why Michael Carrick isn’t receiving more support,” Evra continued. “He’s one of us and he has done a good job so far. But you keep hearing criticism from Scholes, Roy Keane and Gary Neville. It’s annoying because everyone says they want Manchester United back in the top four, yet comments like these don’t help.”

Evra then turned his attention to the managerial track records of the three pundits, suggesting they should be more cautious before judging others.

“Many of these guys got managerial opportunities and were dismissed very quickly,” he said. “I even told Neville once that it’s easy to speak when you’re sitting in a television studio. When he was coaching Valencia, they were expecting something special from him, but things didn’t work out and he was gone after just a few months.”

According to Evra, their struggles as coaches should make them more understanding when analysing Carrick’s situation.

“People should remember what they achieved as managers. As footballers, they were incredible and they will always be Manchester United legends. But when it comes to management, things didn’t go the same way. That’s why it feels wrong to potentially damage another coach’s career with harsh criticism.”

Despite Evra’s defence, the main concern raised by Neville, Keane and Scholes is Carrick’s limited experience in management, particularly for a role at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

Carrick, however, has made a promising start since stepping into the role. The former midfielder guided the team to six wins in his first eight matches before a recent defeat to Newcastle reignited criticism from Scholes and others.

Calls for a More Experienced Manager

Neville, Scholes and Keane have each experienced difficult managerial spells themselves. Neville’s time at Valencia lasted only 28 games, while Scholes managed Oldham Athletic for just seven matches. Keane had longer stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town, though both ended amid disappointing results.

Keane has consistently voiced doubts about Carrick becoming the permanent manager. Speaking on Sky Sports earlier in Carrick’s tenure, he suggested that early wins should not automatically justify a long-term appointment.

“He’s had a couple of good performances, but anyone can win two games,” Keane said at the time. “Even if they finished in the top four, I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the right person to lead the club going forward.”

Neville has also argued that Manchester United should target a more established coach rather than taking another risk on an inexperienced manager.

“I just think United should aim for the best manager available,” Neville said. “They’ve already tried younger or less experienced options recently, and it hasn’t quite delivered the success they expected.”

Scholes, meanwhile, has suggested that a proven figure such as Carlo Ancelotti could be a stronger fit, pointing out that the club might benefit from a manager with a history of winning major trophies and commanding authority in the dressing room.

While the debate continues among former players and pundits, Evra’s comments highlight a growing divide over Carrick’s future and whether patience or experience should guide Manchester United’s next managerial decision.