Paul Scholes: Man Utd laps of honour are ’embarrassing’

Paul Scholes has told Manchester United’s players to stop their laps of honour after games. The club legend called the post-match routine “embarrassing” with Michael Carrick’s side stuck in the Premier League relegation zone.

Scholes was speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast alongside his old team-mate Nicky Butt. Neither man held back.

What Paul Scholes said about the laps of honour

United’s players have walked around the pitch to applaud supporters after recent matches. They did it after the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, and again after Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

For Scholes, that has gone too far. The former midfielder won 11 Premier League titles at Old Trafford, and he wants the current squad to head straight down the tunnel.

“I tell you one thing they need to do, stop doing these laps of honour after every game. It’s so bad. Jesus, it’s embarrassing. Every game’s like the last game of the season. Just get off!”

Paul Scholes, The Good, The Bad & The Football

Nicky Butt backs Paul Scholes

Butt came through the famous Class of ’92 with Scholes, and he shared the same frustration. He said it was frustrating him too, and he was clearly unhappy that the squad marked a draw with a walk around the stadium.

“A lap of honour after a draw…”

Nicky Butt, The Good, The Bad & The Football

Scholes is not the only former United player to speak out this week. Gary Neville has suggested the squad are causing themselves “emotional damage”, according to the Daily Mail as listed in Sky Sports’ Paper Talk.

Why the laps have caused anger

The numbers explain the mood. United sit 18th going into the November international break, with just one win from ten Premier League matches. They are on an eight-game winless run in the league, Goal reports.

After the Bournemouth defeat, fans chanted Carrick’s name. But once the manager went down the tunnel, boos were aimed at the players on their lap of the pitch, Goal reported.

Sunday’s draw had drama of its own. United twice trailed Villa by two goals before Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu struck in stoppage time to rescue a point. You can relive it in our Man Utd 4-4 Aston Villa match report.

What it means for Carrick

The comments land at the worst possible moment for the head coach. United intend to relieve Carrick of his duties, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, although the club insist no final decision has been made. Our Michael Carrick sack story has the full background.

Ben Jacobs has reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will lead a meeting in Monaco today, which is expected to confirm Carrick’s departure. Mauricio Pochettino has been named as a leading contender by several reporters.

Whoever is in the dugout next, Paul Scholes has made one thing clear. He wants results before any more celebrations. For the latest table and news, visit our Premier League hub.

Scholes and Butt’s full comments were reported by Goal, via Yardbarker.