Scholes recalls explosive Ferguson argument after "b******s" Man Utd criticism

Paul Scholes has recalled fearing the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson after labelling the Manchester United manager's criticism as "b******s".

Scholes is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, having won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs under Ferguson's stewardship.

But, despite becoming an influential player in the Fergie era at Old Trafford, there were times when the former England star upset his manager.

In fact, Scholes was once singled out by his boss following a shock 4-3 defeat by Newcastle back in 2001, an incident which led to an explosive dressing room argument.

The United legend admitted he snapped back at "ballistic" Ferguson, something he immediately regretted.

Recalling the incident on The Robbie Fowler podcast, Scholes said: “I had a few [received a rant from Ferguson], some lads will say I didn’t have any.

“I remember one at Newcastle when Newcastle were a really good team. He left me out, we were 3-0 down and he brought me on with 20 minutes to maybe, 3-0.

“We got it back to 3-2, I’m not saying it was anything to do with me, made two chances, made two goals, but nothing to do with me.

"Anyway, got it back to 3-2, we were flying creating chances.

“I tried a back flick in the middle of the pitch on the halfway line, they broke away and I think Shearer scored, that made it 4-2.

"We got it back to 4-3 and then in the dressing room, I’m walking in thinking, ‘I made a difference in that game, I did okay’.

“I had a couple of chances where I should have scored but he went ballistic at me. You’ll never play for this club again and all that type of stuff because I made that mistake on the half-way line.

“I was never, ever one to answer back, people like Giggsy always answered back, even Becks would say something but, I don’t know why I just kept saying ‘b***ocks’. I just kept saying that to him, no matter what he said.

“I don’t know what I was doing, I was frightened to the death of the man! I was on the way back on the coach thinking ‘I’m going to have to look for a new club here’.”

Despite their heated conversation, Ferguson later apologised for his "overreaction" – a situation which Scholes believes highlights the manager's quality.

Scholes added: “Monday morning, he came straight over to me. I’m thinking he’s going to fine me two weeks’ wages here. He said ‘I’m sorry, I realised you did make a difference in the game, what happened after the game was an overreaction’.

“That was the quality of the manager. If he thought he’d made a mistake he’d quickly rectify it.”

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