When we think of Paul Scholes, we picture a calm, collected footballer who rarely stirred controversy.
However, in a rare interview, Scholes revealed that even he wasn’t immune to the infamous “hairdryer treatment” from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Reflecting on one of the most intense moments of his Manchester United career, Scholes opened up on the Football’s Greatest Eras podcast with former teammate Nicky Butt about a fiery clash with the legendary manager back in 2001.
The Day Scholes Thought His Career Was Over
Scholes recalled an incident during a match against Newcastle United in the 2001-02 Premier League season.
Coming off the bench when Manchester United were down, Scholes had high hopes of turning the game around.
And for a moment, it seemed possible. United clawed back from 3-0 to 3-2, thanks in part to Scholes’ efforts.
But a risky flick in the center of the pitch led to a counterattack, and Alan Shearer scored to secure a 4-2 win for Newcastle.
After the match, Ferguson let his anger fly.
Scholes admitted that it was one of the few times he answered back to Ferguson, leading the manager to fume, “You’ll never play for this club again.”
At that moment, Scholes genuinely believed his time at Manchester United had come to an abrupt end.
A Surprising Apology from Ferguson
While Ferguson’s wrath was well-known, what happened next caught Scholes off guard.
After reviewing the match footage, Ferguson approached Scholes the following Monday, much to the midfielder’s surprise.
Instead of doubling down on his criticism, Ferguson admitted he was wrong and apologized.
Scholes, who had braced for the worst, couldn’t believe it.
Butt, never one to miss an opportunity, joked during the podcast, “I told you, you were his teacher’s pet.”
A Long-Lasting Impact on the Pitch
Despite the fiery exchange, Scholes went on to remain an integral part of Ferguson’s team for another decade.
He played a key role in Manchester United’s successes, securing 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two Champions League trophies before his eventual retirement in 2013.
His resilience and talent made him one of the club’s all-time greats, even after the Newcastle incident.
For fans of football nostalgia, the podcast Football’s Greatest Eras offers more insights into the highs and lows of football legends like Scholes and Butt.
You can catch new episodes every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.