Paul Scholes expects his first attempt at management with Oldham to be scrutinised by Jose Mourinho – although probably not in person.
As a pundit the former Manchester United midfielder, who has signed an 18-month contract with Latics, was one of the Portuguese’s most damning critics during his spell at Old Trafford.
However, Scholes has now swapped the television studio for the dugout as he seeks to lead Oldham – his boyhood club and close to where he now lives – out of League Two.
“I think he will be watching results,” said Scholes when asked about Mourinho.
“Whether he will be watching the games I am not too sure. That is part of the thing that bugged me a little bit. I wanted to get into it (management) anyway but I have left myself wide open. I have been quite critical.
“I don’t think we will get many pundits watching – (although) if we are losing games I am sure people will be popping up – (but they) can say what they want.
Scholes was critical of Jose Mourinho while Man United boss and expects the Portuguese to be keeping an eye on his foray into management.
“I have never really understood why players and managers take notice of what pundits say anyway. They are just giving an opinion on the game and get paid for doing so.
“If anyone wants to have a dig at me, I won’t be taking any notice. The only person I answer to is the owner.”
Scholes has plenty of former colleagues and friends for support and advice and while he may tap into contacts at Manchester United (friend Nicky Butt is head of the academy there) he is keen to find his own way in management.
But he always has the great Sir Alex Ferguson to call on should he need some wisdom.
“I’d speak to anyone yeah, I’m sure the gaffer is on the other end of the phone,” he added.
“He’ll want me to do well and if I need any help from him, I’ll be ringing him, of course I will. I’ve got great experience with Gary (Neville) too, what he did in Valencia, Ryan (Giggs) with Wales and under Louis Van Gaal (at United).
“I’ll definitely be speaking to them a lot. When I’m not quite sure what to do I’ll be looking to them for advice.”
There have been reports of interference in team affairs from club owner Abdallah Lemsagam and his brother Mohamed, who is the club’s sporting director. However, Scholes insists he will not stand for that.
"It is great to have the best manager the world has ever seen on the end of the phone"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) 11 February 2019
New Oldham manager Paul Scholes will be utilising his vastly experienced connections.
“I don’t think there was any need for a conversation. As the owner of a football club, he is going to be interested in his team, I am sure about that,” said the 44-year-old.
“He won’t be picking the team – myself and the coaching staff will be picking the team, so I think we are quite clear on that. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t confident on that.
“Like I say he is interested in his football club but he runs the football club and I run the football team along with my staff.”
