Paul Scholes has made it clear that he has no intention of turning down a potential Premier League winners’ medal from the 2011/12 season, putting him at odds with former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney.
The debate follows the Premier League’s verdict involving Manchester City, who were found guilty of breaching financial regulations following a lengthy investigation. City have denied wrongdoing and have appealed the decision, arguing that the commission made significant errors in its findings.
The verdict has sparked renewed discussion over Manchester City’s past title victories, including the dramatic 2011/12 Premier League race.
Manchester United famously lost the title to City on the final day of that season after Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal against QPR. United and City had finished level on points, with City claiming the championship on goal difference.
Rooney, speaking on the Stick to United podcast, said he would not feel comfortable accepting a winners’ medal if the title were eventually taken away from City.
The former United striker argued that his team did not do enough to win the league that season and had allowed their advantage at the top of the table to disappear late in the campaign.
Scholes, however, has taken a completely different position.
Responding to the debate on Instagram, the former United midfielder made his feelings very clear, joking that while some former teammates have said they want City’s trophies stripped but would not accept medals, he would happily take one.
Scholes’ response has added another layer to the growing debate among former players and supporters over what should happen to Manchester City’s historic titles if the club’s appeal ultimately fails.
For now, City’s appeal means the situation remains unresolved, but the contrasting views from two Manchester United legends have already given fans plenty to debate.
