WATCH: 'The only thing he does is criticise' - Jose Mourinho claims Paul Scholes is jealous of Paul Pogba's wealth
Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United vs Southampton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - December 30, 2017 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba. Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Jose Mourinho hit out at former Manchester United player Paul Scholes for his criticism of Paul Pogba after the midfielder’s match-winning display against Everton on New Year’s Day.
Pogba was instrumental for United as they ended a run of three consecutive draws with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, with the midfielder setting up both Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard’s goals.
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”.
Mourinho defended his player in his post-match press conference following the win over Everton and claimed that though he respects Scholes as a “phenomenal” player, he does not have time 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 the retired midfielder would be happy to achieve a quarter of what he has achieved as a coach.
“If Paul [Scholes] one day decides to be a manager I wish that he can be 25 per cent as successful as myself. 50 per cent of that 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."
Regarding criticism from former United players in general, Mourinho said: “I think they would love to be here. They would love to be at the club and that's a problem I cannot resolve."
