Paul Scholes aims sarcastic dig at “special” Michael Carr… — and more

Paul Scholes appeared to mock his former teammate Michael Carrick, just minutes after he was handed his first defeat as Manchester United caretaker boss by Newcastle.

Unbeaten streak ends

United suffered a 2-1 loss to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening, ending Carrick’s eight-game unbeaten run since he was named Ruben Amorim’s temporary replacement in December last year.

The Red Devils headed into the meeting with confidence, but they were rocked in first-half stoppage time when the hosts were awarded a penalty after Bruno Fernandes was judged to have fouled Anthony Gordon inside the danger area.

Gordon stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake despite Senne Lammens diving the right way.

But United didn’t trail for too long. Fernandes made amends, supplying the assist for Casemiro, moments before the two teams went down the tunnel for half-time.

Jacob Ramsey’s second booking handed United a golden opportunity on a plate, but Carrick’s men inexplicably failed to take it. What followed was a tepid display, completely devoid of the pace and intensity required to break down the opposition.

United were made to pay when William Osula scored a 90th-minute winner to secure the three points for the Magpies. United remain in third place in the table, but they certainly missed a chance to put some distance between them and their top-four rivals.

Scholes’ jab

Almost immediately after the final whistle, Scholes made it very clear how he felt about the loss in Tyneside.

He took to Instagram story and wrote, “Michael has definitely got something special about him… Cos Utd have been CRAP last 4 games… Night! Tonali (with a heart emoji).”

His Tonali reference goes back to when Scholes claimed that the Italian is a much better midfielder than Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

Given Scholes’s long-held and vocal stance that Carrick should not be appointed as United’s permanent manager, it was perhaps predictable that he seemed to take some satisfaction in witnessing his first defeat. The pair played 160 games together for United between 2006 and 2013.

Scholes and Carrick won eight major trophies together including five Premier League titles and one Champions League title.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly in line for his first Serie A start since early January as the Nerazzurri take on AC Milan on Sunday.

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the Turkish midfielder will regain his place in the middle of the park at the expense of Piotr Zielinski.

Hakan Calhanoglu suffered a nasty calf injury during Inter’s 2-2 home draw against defending champions Napoli at the beginning of the calendar year.

Therefore, he has not started any of Inter’s last eight league matches, though he made a cameo appearance in a dramatic Derby d’Italia win over Juventus.

Furthermore, he returned to the scoresheet last weekend, converting a penalty in a 2-0 victory over Genoa.

Hakan Calhanoglu to Start in AC Milan vs Inter Milan Clash

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Manager Cristian Chivu brought the 32-year-old back to the starting XI in Tuesday’s scoreless Coppa Italia draw at Como.

Moreover, the 45-year-old is ready to hand the former AC Milan man his first league start in two months this weekend.

On the other hand, Zielinski, who has excelled in this role during Calhanoglu’s absence, will move further up the pitch.

Indeed, instead of operating as a deep-lying playmaker, the Polish ace will take Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s place on the left side of midfield.

Liverpool and Man Utd Track Juventus Midfield Star Ahead of Summer Window

Interest in Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is gathering pace ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the Premier League clubs monitoring his progress. According to Caught Offside, the France international has emerged as one of the most intriguing midfield options available, even though Juventus maintain that he remains central to their long term plans.

Transfer speculation often develops gradually before accelerating suddenly. Thuram’s situation feels like one of those stories quietly building momentum behind the scenes.

Juventus Growth Elevates Midfield Reputation

Thuram’s development since arriving in Turin has been steady and impressive. Once viewed primarily as an energetic presence, he has matured into a well rounded midfielder capable of influencing games in several ways.

Standing 6ft 4in and blessed with natural athleticism, he combines physical authority with a willingness to carry the ball through midfield. Juventus have increasingly relied on him to provide balance between defensive responsibility and attacking transitions.

Photo IMAGO

His versatility also appeals to prospective buyers. Thuram can operate as a traditional box to box midfielder, sit deeper to protect the back line, or surge forward to support attacks when opportunities arise.

The numbers underline his importance. The 24 year old has made 35 appearances across all competitions this season, a reflection of his growing role within Juventus’ structure.

Premier League Recruitment Focus Intensifies

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing the French midfielder to strengthen their squad and add depth in their midfield.

For Liverpool, the appeal is obvious. Adding physical presence and ball winning ability in midfield remains a priority as the club refine the balance of their squad. Reports suggest a package worth around €45 million plus bonuses could be explored.

Manchester United’s thinking is slightly different but equally clear. The club are beginning to plan for life beyond Casemiro and Thuram fits the profile of a younger, high energy midfielder capable of anchoring the next phase of their rebuild.

Photo IMAGO

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, though their interest appears more cautious at this stage.

Juventus Hold Strong Negotiating Position

Juventus are not under immediate pressure to sell. Thuram is under contract until 2029, giving the Italian club considerable leverage if negotiations develop.

The expected valuation between €65 million and €75 million reflects his growing importance. While Juventus insist he remains integral to their project, the financial realities of elite football mean that few players are entirely beyond reach.

If the coming months bring formal offers, this could become one of the more intriguing midfield transfer stories of the summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, the idea of signing Thuram makes considerable sense. Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has already begun in recent seasons, yet supporters still debate whether the squad possesses enough physical authority and ball recovery in central areas. Thuram’s athletic profile would address exactly that concern.

Fans often appreciate midfielders who can dominate duels and carry the ball through pressure. Thuram appears capable of doing both. The question for Liverpool supporters is whether the club are prepared to meet Juventus’ valuation if it climbs towards €70 million.

Manchester United supporters will view the situation through a different lens. For many at Old Trafford, the coming years feel like a transition period in midfield. Casemiro remains influential, but will be leaving at the end of the season. Thuram fits the age profile and playing style United supporters often call for, energetic, durable and capable of covering large areas of the pitch.

There is also the Premier League factor. Players with Thuram’s blend of power and technical control often adapt well to the pace of English football.

Supporters of both clubs would likely agree on one thing. If this move becomes realistic, it will not stay quiet for long. Midfielders with this profile rarely remain available without attracting serious attention.

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It’s obviously going to case a shadow over tonight’s match so, as a reminder, The Guardian is bringing you live updates on the crisis in the Middle East.

“These women are prisoners,” says Cyrus Jones, a human rights activist who will be attending the match. “Iranian security is up on their floor [of the hotel] at night. They can’t leave their rooms. They can’t use the public bathrooms. They’re monitored when they go for breakfast, when they get on the bus. They’re monitored in a way no other players from other teams are.