Quick Read
- Patrice Evra criticized Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane over negative media commentary.
- Evra accused them of lacking support for Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
- He directly challenged Gary Neville’s unsuccessful managerial tenure at Valencia, calling it “fish and chips” instead of “paella.”
- Evra stated their comments were “unnecessary” and could “kill the career of a manager.”
- He believes media pundits often feel compelled to be negative for TV.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has publicly launched a strong critique against his former teammates Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane, accusing them of making “unnecessary” and overly negative comments in the media. Evra specifically targeted their perceived lack of support for current Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick, emphasizing that their public criticisms could potentially harm a manager’s career, especially during a transitional period for the club.
Evra Challenges Media Critics Over Carrick Support
Patrice Evra expressed his profound disappointment, particularly regarding recent comments attributed to Paul Scholes. “I hope Paul Scholes’ Instagram story is fake. I hope he was hacked,” Evra stated, reflecting a sentiment that Scholes, known for his quiet demeanor as a player, has become surprisingly outspoken in his punditry. “But to be honest, I am not even surprised at that from Scholesy. He was the quietest player I have ever played with in my entire career. Now, in the media, he is dropping bombshells.” Evra’s frustration extended beyond Scholes, encompassing prominent figures like Roy Keane and Gary Neville, noting a general “lack of support” for Michael Carrick. Carrick, a long-serving former United midfielder, stepped into the managerial role after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent departure and has overseen a period of relative stability, which Evra believes warrants backing, not criticism. “Michael Carrick is one of us, and he is doing well,” Evra affirmed, highlighting the internal solidarity he feels should prevail.
The Valencia ‘Paella’ Jab and Pundits’ Managerial Records
Evra did not shy away from directly challenging Gary Neville’s own managerial credentials, a point that resonated given Neville’s high-profile media role. He recounted a past conversation where he delivered a pointed remark 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!” This vivid metaphor highlighted Evra’s broader argument that while these former players are undoubtedly “legends” on the pitch, “as managers, they haven’t done a great job.” Neville’s brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint as manager of Valencia in 2015-2016, where he oversaw a significant dip in form and was eventually sacked after just 28 games, provides a specific and often cited backdrop to Evra’s criticism. Similarly, Roy Keane, another prominent pundit, had a mixed record in management with spells at Sunderland and Ipswich Town, further reinforcing Evra’s perspective on the difficulty of the role compared to media analysis.
Unnecessary Comments Amidst Club Ambitions
Evra underscored the timing and potentially detrimental impact of these media comments, especially as Manchester United strives for consistency and a return to elite form. “It annoys me because we want to be in the top four and those comments are unnecessary,” he stated, alluding to the club’s ambitions in the Premier League. He elaborated on what he perceives as a common dynamic in media punditry, suggesting that “this is what you do when you work in TV, you can’t be positive, you have to be negative.” This observation implies a systemic pressure on pundits to generate controversy or critical takes for engagement. Evra concluded his strong remarks by asserting that for these former players “to speak and possibly kill the career of a manager, it’s a little bit too much,” implying a disproportionate and potentially damaging influence of their public statements on current club affairs and individual careers. The ongoing scrutiny of Manchester United’s performance under Carrick, as the club searches for a permanent manager, adds further tension to the situation, making internal and external support crucial.
Patrice Evra’s outspoken criticism highlights a growing tension between former players turned media pundits and those actively involved in club management, particularly at a time when Manchester United is navigating a period of transition and seeking stability. His comments underscore the perceived pressure on pundits to deliver negative analysis and the potential impact this can have on managerial careers and club morale.