Michael Carrick has dismissed Paul Scholes’ criticism of his management of Man Utd as “nothing really” following his first defeat as interim head coach.
The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park last week, ending Carrick’s undefeated streak since replacing Ruben Amorim in the dugout.
The 44-year-old was on the receiving end of a stinging attack from former teammate Scholes, who vented his frustration with the team’s performances in a post on Instagram.
“Michael has definitely got something special about him… cos Utd have been crap last four games… Night,” he wrote after the game.
Man Utd boss Michael Carrick reacts to Paul Scholes diatribe
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Carrick gave off the impression he hasn’t lost any sleep over the episode.
“It was nothing really, nothing to say about it really,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“That is just where we are in terms of social media captions and quotes. It can be taken in different ways, so just be calm about it. There are different opinions out there and things can be taken from one extreme to another.
“It is what it is. I am not worried about it. I don’t make a big deal about it.”
Carrick added that Man Utd have taken lessons from the loss to Newcastle as they look to bounce back against top four rivals Villa.
“Villa were always going to be a test,” he said. “I understand the first defeat feels different but it was going to come at some point. Most teams have suffered that at some point.
“It has been a really good week in some ways, we have put ourselves in a position where there is a lot to play for.
“It was disappointing the way the game ended [against Newcastle] but we have digested that, looked at it and learned from it. We have trained really well this week and the boys are itching to get going.”
