Scholes Awaits Mourinho Scrutiny Ahead Of Managerial Debut

By Max Wise

Paul Scholes expects a thorough inspection of his progress as a manager by former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho after he was appointed as the new head coach of League Two side Oldham Athletic on Monday.

Scholes,44,spent his entire career at Manchester United and moved into punditry when he retired from playing in 2013.

The former England midfielder was a fierce critic of Mourinho during the Portuguese’s time in charge of the Red Devils and once labelled him “an embarrassment to the club”.

Mourinho became fed up with Scholes’ incessant criticism and once replied, “I don’t think he comments, he criticises. If Paul one day decided to be a manager I wish he can be 25% as successful as myself, that’s around six [trophies].”

"I think he will be watching results," Scholes said at a news conference.

"Whether he will be watching the games, I am not too sure.

"That is part of the thing that bugged me a little bit. I wanted to get into it anyway but I have left myself wide open.

"I have been quite critical. If pundits - I don't think we will get many pundits watching - if we are losing games I am sure people will be popping up.

"They can say what they want, I have never really understood why players and managers take notice of what pundits say anyway. They are just giving an opinion on the game and get paid for doing so.

"If anyone wants to have a dig at me, I won't be taking any notice. The only person I answer to is the owner."

Scholes’ managerial career gets underway on Tuesday when his 14th placed Oldham Athletic side take on Yeovil in League Two.