Manchester United legend Paul Scholes once took aim at Soccer Aid organisers after they transformed Old Trafford into a sea of sky blue and white flags. Scholes' complaint came as he took part in the game three years ago.
Scholes' Playful Complaint
He playfully voiced his displeasure at the famous Soccer Aid flags, which made the home of United look more like their city rivals, Manchester City. Soccer Aid was co-founded by pop star Robbie Williams and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes and is in support of the global children’s charity UNICEF.
It has been held since 2006, with this year’s event representing the 20th anniversary. Scholes had an eventful evening for the England team during the 2023 edition of the charity fixture, scoring a stunning long-range drive before heading off injured.
However, ahead of the game, he took to Instagram to jokingly voice his displeasure at the colours adorning the four corners of Old Trafford. The former England star posted a shot of the capacity crowd, with the caption: “Somebody has to be taking the p*** with these flags.”
Scholes' Performance and Injury
Scholes rolled back the years to put England 2-1 up against the World XI. The 51-year-old was later forced off, however, after he fell awkwardly in a collision with former United team-mate Nani and played no further part in the game, which the World XI won 4-2.
Scholes, who has featured in the event on three occasions, took to Instagram to update fans on his injury afterwards. He posted: “Knee’s f*****, but couldn’t give two s****. Nothing will ever give me a better feeling than playing in front of a full house at Old Trafford and scoring a goal. Great couple of days with some very funny people.”
Scholes' Legacy and This Year's Event
Scholes is regarded as one of United’s greatest ever players, making more than 700 appearances for the club during a 19-year professional career. He won 25 trophies during that time, including 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.
This year’s Soccer Aid will see an England squad bolstered with footballing legends such as Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Jack Wilshere. Joining them will be actors Tom Hiddleston and Danny Dyer, content creator Angry Ginge, comedian Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson and Olly Murs, among others.
Soccer Aid 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 31, at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Kick off time is at 6.30pm and it will be live on ITV.
