Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho hits out at Paul Scholes for Paul Pogba criticism

The Frenchman was criticised by Scholes for his performance in Saturday’s goalless draw against Southampton, with the United great accusing Pogba of “strolling through games”

Jose Mourinho hit out at former Manchester United player Paul Scholes for his criticism of Paul Pogba after his side’s 2-0 win at Everton on New Year’s Day.

The United manager made it clear that he has little time for the opinions of Scholes and other members of United’s Class of ‘92, who he sarcastically referred to as the “kings of rock and roll”.

Pogba was instrumental for United as they ended a run of three consecutive draws at Goodison Park. The midfielder put in a dominant performance in the middle of the park and set up both Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard’s goals.

This man-of-the-match display followed recent criticism from Scholes, who accused Pogba of “strolling through games” after a poor showing in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Southampton at Old Trafford.

Following the win over Everton, Mourinho defended both Pogba and his own record as manager of United, claiming that although he respects Scholes as a “phenomenal” player, he does not care for his punditry.

“I think the only thing Paul Scholes does is criticise. I don’t think he comments, I think he criticises, which is a different thing,” the United manager said. “Not every one of us has to be phenomenal like he was as a player. That does not mean that we all have to be phenomenal.

“Paul [Pogba] tries to do his best all the time. Sometimes he plays very well, sometimes he plays well, sometimes he doesn’t play so well. It’s not Paul’s fault that he made much more money than Paul Scholes. It’s just the way football is.

“I think Scholes will be in history as a phenomenal player, not as a pundit. I prefer to look at him as a phenomenal player that gave so much to the club that I am proud to represent.”

Mourinho went on to challenge Scholes to be as successful as himself in management, claiming that the retired midfielder would be happy to achieve a quarter of what he has won as a coach.

Though Scholes has predominantly worked in the media since ending his playing career, he has been linked with a managerial role at Oldham Athletic and taken on caretaker duties at Salford City, the non-league club owned by the ‘Class of ‘92’.

“If Paul [Scholes] one day decides to be a manager I wish that he can be 25 per cent as successful as myself,” said Mourinho, who has won 25 honours during his managerial career. ”50 per cent [of 25] is 12.5 silverware, 25 per cent is around 6. If he’s 25 per cent, he’ll be quite happy.

“In my mind, Paul Scholes is a phenomenal player. One of the best I’ve ever seen playing in midfield. He gave so much to my club that I can only thank him for that. The prestige of this club is based on people like him, so successful here.”

Before responding to Scholes and while assessing his side’s performance, Mourinho sardonically referred to former United players working in the media as “the kings of rock and roll”.

When asked whether such comments from ex-professionals hinder his team, Mourinho added: “I think they would love to be here. They would love to be at the club and that’s a problem I cannot resolve.”