Patrice Evra Condemns Manchester United Pundits Over Carrick Criticism
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has launched a blistering attack on the club's legendary pundits, accusing them of attempting to 'kill' Michael Carrick's managerial career through relentless negative commentary. The Frenchman specifically named former teammates Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane in a withering assessment of their credentials to critique Carrick's performance.
Evra Questions Pundits' Managerial Records
Evra, who won five Premier League titles during his illustrious career at Old Trafford, argued that none of the three critics have any legitimate standing to question Carrick's capabilities given their own failures in management. 'I hope Paul Scholes' Instagram story is fake, I hope he was hacked,' Evra told Stake, referencing Scholes' recent social media outburst where he branded United as 'c**p' under Carrick's temporary leadership.
'To be honest, I'm not surprised at that from Scholesy,' Evra continued. 'He was the quietest player I've ever played with in my entire career. Now, in the media, he drops bombshells. I really don't understand the lack of support behind Michael Carrick, he's one of us and he's doing very well.'
The Pundits' Controversial Stances
The controversy stems from all three pundits suggesting that Carrick should not be appointed permanently despite his strong start since replacing Ruben Amorim. Carrick has won six of his eight games in charge, suffering his first defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday which prompted Scholes' late-night Instagram post that was hastily deleted.
- Roy Keane has been particularly vocal, stating: 'Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not. They need a bigger and better manager.'
- Gary Neville has called for United to 'pursue another manager' and seek 'the best class of manager available' rather than appointing Carrick permanently.
- Paul Scholes recently suggested Carlo Ancelotti as a better option, questioning whether Carrick has sufficient experience for one of world football's biggest jobs.
Evra's Scathing Comparison to Failed Managerial Stints
Evra delivered his most cutting remarks when comparing the pundits' television commentary to their own managerial records. 'Most of these guys get a managerial job and get fired straightaway,' he stated bluntly. 'I said to Neville: "It's easy to talk on TV. When you were at Valencia, they asked you for paella, and you gave them fish and chips." After three months, they said goodbye.'
The statistics support Evra's argument:
- Gary Neville lasted just 28 games at Valencia before being dismissed
- Paul Scholes managed only seven games at Oldham Athletic with two brief interim spells at Salford City
- Roy Keane had mixed tenures at Sunderland and Ipswich Town, leaving both clubs under difficult circumstances
'People can't forget what they have done as a manager,' Evra emphasized. 'As players, they're legends, but as managers, they haven't done a great job. So for them to speak and possibly kill the career of a manager, it's a little bit too much.'
The Media Criticism Culture
Evra expressed frustration with what he perceives as a culture of negativity in sports media. 'There's been negative analysis from Scholesy, but also from Roy Keane and Gary Neville,' he noted. 'It annoys me because we want to be in the top four, and those comments are unnecessary, but this is what you do when you work in TV. You can't be positive, you have to be negative.'
Despite the criticism from his former teammates, Carrick continues to build his case for the permanent position. The 44-year-old has implemented significant changes since taking over, winning crucial matches and demonstrating tactical acumen that has impressed many observers beyond the critical punditry trio.
The debate highlights the complex dynamics between former players turned pundits and current club staff, with Evra's intervention adding considerable fuel to an already heated discussion about Carrick's future and the appropriate role of media commentary in shaping managerial careers at elite football clubs.
