The Michael Carrick chant Manchester United fans sing from the terraces might not hit quite the same after the defeat to 10-man Newcastle. Not for the reason you are thinking, though.

"It's Carrick, you know. Hard to believe it's not Scholes."

You may have seen United legend Paul Scholes' surprise jab at his former team-mate on social media in the aftermath of his first defeat in the job. "Michael has definitely got something special about him...because United have been c*** the last four games."

It was a strange intervention from Scholes to say the least. This is a man he partnered in midfield for seven seasons. They were team-mates and played in more than 150 games together for club and country. Plus, Carrick had won six of the last seven games.

Image: Paul Scholes has questioned Michael Carrick's credentials to be Man Utd manager

Rather than analyse why this United legend turned podcaster might have decided to two-foot Carrick with the type of tackle he was famous for in his playing days, it is more worthwhile to dig into the point he raises, because it is not enitrely without merit.