Paul Scholes has delivered an X-rated response to the debate over whether former Manchester United players should receive Premier League winners’ medals if Manchester City are stripped of past titles.
Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League charges brought against them earlier this week. City have appealed the verdict, continue to maintain their innocence and deny wrongdoing.
With the appeal process now underway, attention has turned to what punishments could eventually follow if the verdict stands.
One possibility being discussed is whether City could be stripped of previous honours, potentially opening the door for teams who finished runners-up to be retrospectively awarded titles.
Scholes wants his medal
Manchester United finished second behind City three times during the relevant period, including the dramatic 2011/12 campaign.
Scholes and Wayne Rooney were both part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side that lost the title on goal difference after Sergio Aguero’s famous final-day winner against QPR.
Asked indirectly about the prospect of receiving a medal should that title eventually be reassigned, Scholes made his position very clear on Instagram.
“Keep hearing ex-teammates saying they want trophies taking off them but don’t want their medals,” Scholes wrote.
“F*** that, I’m a greedy b****** I want my medal.”
His stance puts him firmly at odds with former teammate Rooney.
Rooney would reject retrospective medal
Rooney previously said he would feel uncomfortable accepting another Premier League medal even if United were eventually declared champions.
Speaking on the Stick To United podcast, Rooney argued that United had their opportunity to win the 2011/12 title on the pitch and failed to take it.
“I wouldn't really feel comfortable accepting another Premier League medal,” Rooney said.
“I don't think we deserve it, we didn't do enough that season to win the league.”
Rooney also expressed sympathy for City’s players, arguing they may have had no knowledge of decisions being made above them while competing for trophies.
The former United captain believes stripping titles could potentially be justified depending on the final outcome, but personally wants no part in receiving another medal.
“I’m happy with the five I’ve won,” he added. “I wouldn't want this one.”
Scholes clearly sees things differently.
Key Points
- Paul Scholes says he would accept a retrospective Premier League winners’ medal if Manchester City are stripped of titles.
- City were found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges and have appealed the verdict while maintaining their innocence.
- Manchester United finished behind City in the 2011/12 title race, when Scholes and Wayne Rooney were part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.
- Rooney says he would reject a retrospective medal because United did not win the title on the pitch.
- Scholes responded with an X-rated message, joking that he is “greedy” and wants his medal.
What’s Next?
Everything remains dependent on Manchester City’s appeal and what punishment, if any, ultimately follows once that process has been completed.
Even if the original verdict stands, stripping historical titles would raise major questions over whether runners-up should simply be declared champions and whether players should receive retrospective medals.
Scholes and Rooney have now demonstrated how divided even members of the same United team could be over that possibility.
For Rooney, what happened on the pitch should remain decisive. Scholes has a much simpler position: if another Premier League medal becomes available, he wants it.
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