Latest news with #Scholes
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Manager Paul Scholes wanted to take Man Utd job torn apart by his ex-player – 'Egotistical'
Ryan Bertrand doesn't look back fondly on his time under Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton, claiming that the ex-manager froze him out of the squad completely and had quite the chip on his shoulder Paul Scholes suggested Ralph Hasenhuttl for the Manchester United job three years ago following the departure of Ralf Rangnick, but Ryan Bertrand was far from pleased by his management style at Southampton. Rangnick was appointed interim Red Devils manager in November 2021 in the wake of the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, he only lasted until the end of the season following a dismal campaign at Old Trafford which culminated in a sixth-place finish with an at the time club-record low of 58 points. Despite a four-year career with the Saints culminating in a 2021/22 relegation battle before his dismissal, Scholes saw Hasenhuttl as the perfect fit for United given his style of play. Speaking to BT Sport in 2022, Scholes said: "I've always liked the football he plays at Southampton with not the best squad. "The type of football has worked for them. His teams have been good to watch; I think it comes across really well. I think people around this club, and fans especially, are thinking more of possibly [Mauricio] Pochettino or an Antonio Conte and what people have been at the bigger clubs. "The more I think about it, I don't think [going for Hasenhuttl] would be a bad thing. The way he goes about his business, he looks good." United ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag as new head coach ahead of 2022/23, with Hasenhuttl enduring a two-year lay-off before taking up tenure with VfL Wolfsburg in 2024. While Scholes saw the 57-year-old as an ideal fit for the club that the former midfielder still holds close to home, Bertrand's first opinions of Hasenhuttl were far from stellar. The now retired left-back spent six years at St Mary's, making 240 appearances before parting ways for Leicester City in 2021. And while he played under Hasenhuttl for the final three years of his tenure in Southampton, the 35-year-old didn't see eye-to-eye with him as he took up tenure. Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Bertrand said: "To be honest, I have a lot of respect for him, and I actually really like him. He's a really good guy, but at the start when he come in, he come in fully egotistical. "Thinking anyone 30-plus or 28-plus is like the enemy cause they can't learn new things. It's his way or the highway, everyone needs to listen, there's no talking back. And it was like, 'You need feedback, cause I've been with a lot of managers that have done a little bit more than what you do and they listen to people, and this is how you survive in the Premier League.' "But I think he sensed that and he was so paranoid of other people perhaps making him look like he's not the number one. Confusing feedback for talking back, he was so authoritarian approach. This way, that way." Bertrand also recalled how his reaction to one game in particular also caused friction between himself and Hasenhuttl, claiming that he saw himself demoted from the starting XI and phased out in favour of players who weren't even natural left-backs. Bertrand explained how the Saints were losing a game and he was substituted off in the dying moments despite being an attacking full-back and the team in need of a goal, a move which baffled him. But when he approached Hasenhuttl to ask on his theory behind the substitution, he claims that the manager became defensive before freezing him out. He added: "He was a bit hostile and was like,' You know, it was just a decision that I made,' and I was like, 'Alright, no problem.' "And I left the room, and then after that we just never spoke. He was playing people like Moussa Djenepo, he was playing him left-back. He was playing Kevin Danso centre-backs left-back, wingers left-back, anything to kind of provoke a reaction out of me. "But I wouldn't because I want to win. It's fine, if you want to play that it's no problem. I'll just train every day and didn't kind of say nothing." Bertrand then spoke to a director at Southampton to ask what was Hasenhuttl's issue, only to be told that the manager wasn't happy with the substitution incident. However, Bertrand claimed that towards the end of his tenure at St Mary's, that Hasenhuttl turned things around and changed his approach to football management, actively engaging with players more and coming across more friendly. He explained: "Towards the end he went full circle. And he slowly, slowly... he ended up going 360. Ended up being more personable, talking to everyone, trying to be people's best mate, had more of a character. And I just thought, 'You weren't worth my time,' because that moment at the start, he was very disrespectful." He added: "From the early days of respect was a one way street with him, and then coming back and then killing my game, and then needed me to stay. Why would I stay?" Bertrand made the move to Leicester City in a free transfer in 2021, making just 11 appearances for the Foxes before announcing his retirement from football in June 2024.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paul Scholes told he got lucky by ex-Man Utd star he labelled club's 'worst-ever signing'
A former Man Utd player criticised by Paul Scholes has hit back, suggesting the club legend was lucky to find success and questioning his lack of impact with England A player dubbed Manchester United 's worst-ever signing by Paul Scholes has fired back after suggesting that the midfielder's success was largely down to one of his teammates. Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich was brought to Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999 as a potential successor to Peter Schmeichel. However, he faced a challenging stint at Old Trafford after an impressive seven-year spell at Aston Villa. Despite contributing to United's league triumph in his debut season, his time at the club was marred by troubles and he was replaced by Fabien Barthez. Scholes previously pinpointed Bosnich's transfer as the club's worst. Bosnich has now retaliated, insinuating that his old colleague owed much of his achievements to playing alongside Roy Keane. The 53-year-old also queried why Scholes didn't make more of an impact with England on the international stage. Speaking to former United and Wrexham shot-stopper Ben Foster on the Fozcast podcast, Bosnich said: "Scholesy was an exceptional player but he was very fortunate, in my opinion, to play with someone like Roy Keane. Roy Keane was much underrated as a player. "He had that hard man image, but he's a much better player than people give him credit for. I think when he [Scholes] got the right partner in midfield, he was far better. I thought he should have done a little bit more for England, really." Scholes didn't hold back when discussing Bosnich's poor professionalism on The Overlap podcast last September. He recalled the keeper's troubled second stint at United after first joining the club at the age of 17. Bosnich's return to the club was overshadowed by an incident involving a photographer during his stag do, which resulted in his arrest. "I go back to the goalkeepers, when you had to try and replace Peter Schmeichel, which is always going to be difficult," Scholes said. "We had a few. I was thinking [Massimo] Taibi, Mark Bosnich. "I thought he was a good keeper at Villa, Mark Bosnich. He came to us, and he was so unprofessional. Honestly, it was ridiculous. In shooting practice, you normally have like 15, 20 shots. After three shots, he's knackered, 'Oh no, get someone else in'. "I never realised he couldn't kick a football. I've never seen anything like it. We played Everton away, first game of the season, and none of us picked up on it. He couldn't reach the halfway line. "There was no wind, it was a perfect day. But when you look at his feet, size 14s, honestly, he was just kicking the floor all the time. Disappointing." After leaving United, Bosnich became second choice at Chelsea behind Carlo Cudicini but faced a ban from football in September 2002 after a positive test for cocaine. It took him six years to return to the sport, eventually playing for Central Coast Mariners in Australia before turning to punditry. Bosnich lavished praise on United icon Ryan Giggs, naming him as his greatest ever teammate during his chat with Foster. He not only commended Giggs for his extraordinary abilities on the pitch but also highlighted his generosity off it. "When I first met him, I was 16 or 17, and we played a game at the Cliff [training ground]," Bosnich said. "I remember Fergie walking up to me, and he said, 'Come and have a look at this kid at number 11.' "It was like somebody watching Jack Nicklaus play golf for the first time or Tiger Woods and you think 'Wow'. His father was an exceptional rugby league player for St Helens so he had that wonderful balance and running. As soon as he turned up at 15 or 16, everyone's going, 'Play him, play him'. "For me, he was an outstanding lad. If you rang him up at three in the morning and said, 'I've got a problem and I need your help,' no matter what it was, he was there for you."
The Herald Scotland
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Private island wars: Cruise lines are betting big on land destinations
"Even the themes of, like, the slides and the beaches, it just seemed like an extension of the cruise ship, which is kind of a different vibe than other ports and was cool for me to experience," he told USA TODAY. The destination offers an exclusive experience packed with activities as part of many Royal Caribbean sailings, and has been a hit with guests. The high seas have long been cruise lines' primary domain, but many are investing more heavily in land-based destinations to complement their offerings at sea. A major new competitor to CocoCay, Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key - with five distinct areas or "portals" across 65 acres - will launch later this month on Grand Bahama. Here's why cruise lines are betting big on private island destinations. Why are cruise lines leaning into private islands? Cruise lines have had exclusive destinations for decades, but Royal Caribbean was the first to, "shall we say, put these private islands on steroids," said Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities. The company's private island, previously just CocoCay, was relaunched in 2019 following a $250 million renovation. The destination has water slides, pools, a zip line, cabanas, dining venues and bars, and more. Scholes likened it to a "mini Caribbean" theme park. "They took a lot of risk and nobody really believed them until they saw it, and lo and behold, it was a real grand slam," he said. Royal Caribbean International's chief marketing officer, Kara Wallace, told USA TODAY in October that of more than 250 ports its ships visit, CocoCay is "the number one highest-rated destination." "I think their competitors, that certainly being Carnival ... really took a cue from Royal Caribbean and said, 'Wow, Royal Caribbean really hit a home run and we're going to try to emulate that,'" Scholes said. Carnival did not immediately share a comment. With more destinations around the world pushing back against overtourism and the potential for geopolitical impacts on itineraries, private islands can offer a more undefined, convenient alternative, according to Marilyn Macallair, a cruise travel analyst for Phocuswright. "Now private destinations are becoming destinations in themselves," she said. Cruise line private island destinations include: Castaway Cay in The Bahamas (Disney Cruise Line) Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas (Disney Cruise Line) Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas (Norwegian Cruise Line) RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas (Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line) Harvest Caye in Belize (Norwegian Cruise Line) Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas (MSC Cruises) Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) Princess Cays in The Bahamas (Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line) What are the benefits of cruise line private islands? Owning or leasing a destination allows cruise lines to control almost every aspect of the experience, Macallair noted, from which ships stop there and when, to the look of the facilities and the food and drink pricing. While many activities and amenities are complimentary - and onboard drink packages often still apply - plenty of others come at an upcharge, from excursions to cabana rentals and beach club passes. Admission to CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark, for example, costs extra, though prices vary by season (booked passengers can check rates for their specific sailing via My Royal Cruise). The availability of land in The Bahamas and its government's willingness to work with cruise lines make it a particularly attractive choice, Scholes said. Plus, it's easy to get to: Bimini, where Virgin Voyages' The Beach Club at Bimini is located, is just 50 miles from Florida. Macallair also noted that the Caribbean remains in high demand. In 2024, 43% of cruise guests visited the region, according to Cruise Lines International Association's most recent State of the Cruise Industry Report. Nearly 15 million passengers sailed on Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda cruises, up from 12.8 million in 2023. The future of cruises: Are mega-ships here to stay? For passengers, Macallair said the exclusivity is part of the appeal. Scholes echoed that, noting it makes that kind of experience relatively accessible, compared to other kinds of trips. "It's a really affordable way to go to a private island in the Caribbean for the day, whereas room rates and flights are really, really expensive," he said. That highly-managed setting can also be a drawback, though. While cruise lines often integrate local cultural elements - such as Junkanoo at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point - some visitors may find they lack the depth of immersion on offer at other ports of call. "I probably wouldn't go on a cruise for the sake of going back to CocoCay," said Huff. "Sure, if it stops there, it's an enjoyable stop. It's not something that would keep me from going on a cruise, but I would definitely prefer something more culturally immersive, something that I can go out and actually explore a country and, like, travel a little bit." Are cruise lines adding more private islands? Celebration Key is hardly the only land-based project underway. Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line recently announced that they would partner on enhancements to the private Bahamas destination Half Moon Cay. The changes, the first of which will be completed by summer 2026, include a new pier where ships can dock on its north side, added lunch venues and bars and a new name, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. and recently announced that they would partner on enhancements to the private Bahamas destination Half Moon Cay. The changes, the first of which will be completed by summer 2026, include a new pier where ships can dock on its north side, added lunch venues and bars and a new name, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., parent company of Norwegian , Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , will also add a new welcome center, an island-wide tram system, an "extensive" new pool area and more to its Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, the company said in an April news release. The upgrades are set to debut in the fourth quarter of 2025. , and , will also add a new welcome center, an island-wide tram system, an "extensive" new pool area and more to its Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, the company said in an April news release. The upgrades are set to debut in the fourth quarter of 2025. Royal Caribbean has a slew of other land-based products launching over the next few years, too, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025; Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027. The company will also open a destination on the island of Lelepa in Vanuatu in 2027, with more details to come. has a slew of other land-based products launching over the next few years, too, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025; Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027. The company will also open a destination on the island of Lelepa in Vanuatu in 2027, with more details to come. MSC Group is developing an island near its existing Bahamas destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, as well, Travel Weekly reported. Scholes said there may come a time when the market is oversaturated with suped-up private islands. Given how long they take to develop, however, he said that's unlikely to happen for at least five years. "There's always the fear down the road that you sort of kill the golden goose by just (having) too many," he said. "We're not at that point yet." Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
'Private islands on steroids': Why cruise lines are betting big on their own destinations
During a recent vacation, Jared Huff enjoyed a private island in The Bahamas as his personal playground. The 20-year-old went jet skiing, visited a waterpark and relaxed on the beach at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay for hours before returning to the Wonder of the Seas ship. Huff, who is from Knoxville, Tennessee, was visiting during a June cruise with his girlfriend and her family. 'Even the themes of, like, the slides and the beaches, it just seemed like an extension of the cruise ship, which is kind of a different vibe than other ports and was cool for me to experience,' he told USA TODAY. The destination offers an exclusive experience packed with activities as part of many Royal Caribbean sailings, and has been a hit with guests. The high seas have long been cruise lines' primary domain, but many are investing more heavily in land-based destinations to complement their offerings at sea. A major new competitor to CocoCay, Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key – with five distinct areas or 'portals' across 65 acres – will launch later this month on Grand Bahama. Here's why cruise lines are betting big on private island destinations. Why are cruise lines leaning into private islands? Cruise lines have had exclusive destinations for decades, but Royal Caribbean was the first to, "shall we say, put these private islands on steroids," said Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities. The company's private island, previously just CocoCay, was relaunched in 2019 following a $250 million renovation. The destination has water slides, pools, a zip line, cabanas, dining venues and bars, and more. Scholes likened it to a "mini Caribbean" theme park. 'They took a lot of risk and nobody really believed them until they saw it, and lo and behold, it was a real grand slam,' he said. Royal Caribbean International's chief marketing officer, Kara Wallace, told USA TODAY in October that of more than 250 ports its ships visit, CocoCay is 'the number one highest-rated destination.' "I think their competitors, that certainly being Carnival … really took a cue from Royal Caribbean and said, 'Wow, Royal Caribbean really hit a home run and we're going to try to emulate that,'" Scholes said. Carnival did not immediately share a comment. With more destinations around the world pushing back against overtourism and the potential for geopolitical impacts on itineraries, private islands can offer a more undefined, convenient alternative, according to Marilyn Macallair, a cruise travel analyst for Phocuswright. "Now private destinations are becoming destinations in themselves," she said. Cruise line private island destinations include: What are the benefits of cruise line private islands? Owning or leasing a destination allows cruise lines to control almost every aspect of the experience, Macallair noted, from which ships stop there and when, to the look of the facilities and the food and drink pricing. While many activities and amenities are complimentary – and onboard drink packages often still apply – plenty of others come at an upcharge, from excursions to cabana rentals and beach club passes. Admission to CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark, for example, costs extra, though prices vary by season (booked passengers can check rates for their specific sailing via My Royal Cruise). The availability of land in The Bahamas and its government's willingness to work with cruise lines make it a particularly attractive choice, Scholes said. Plus, it's easy to get to: Bimini, where Virgin Voyages' The Beach Club at Bimini is located, is just 50 miles from Florida. Macallair also noted that the Caribbean remains in high demand. In 2024, 43% of cruise guests visited the region, according to Cruise Lines International Association's most recent State of the Cruise Industry Report. Nearly 15 million passengers sailed on Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda cruises, up from 12.8 million in 2023. The future of cruises: Are mega-ships here to stay? For passengers, Macallair said the exclusivity is part of the appeal. Scholes echoed that, noting it makes that kind of experience relatively accessible, compared to other kinds of trips. 'It's a really affordable way to go to a private island in the Caribbean for the day, whereas room rates and flights are really, really expensive,' he said. That highly-managed setting can also be a drawback, though. While cruise lines often integrate local cultural elements – such as Junkanoo at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – some visitors may find they lack the depth of immersion on offer at other ports of call. 'I probably wouldn't go on a cruise for the sake of going back to CocoCay,' said Huff. 'Sure, if it stops there, it's an enjoyable stop. It's not something that would keep me from going on a cruise, but I would definitely prefer something more culturally immersive, something that I can go out and actually explore a country and, like, travel a little bit.' Are cruise lines adding more private islands? Celebration Key is hardly the only land-based project underway. Scholes said there may come a time when the market is oversaturated with suped-up private islands. Given how long they take to develop, however, he said that's unlikely to happen for at least five years. 'There's always the fear down the road that you sort of kill the golden goose by just (having) too many,' he said. 'We're not at that point yet.'
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd paid price of ignoring Scholes' transfer plea as £68m deal to be snubbed
Manchester United proved Paul Scholes right after the club legend told them five years ago they needed to sign a world-class centre-back and striker to return to title contention Paul Scholes once pleaded with Manchester United to sign a towering centre-half to partner Harry Maguire in order for them to return to the top of the pile in the Premier League. However, these demands fell on deaf ears at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils could be heading towards making the same mistake again this summer. In 2020, United sat in third place in the Premier League table, 33 points behind arch-rivals and title winners Liverpool, and 15 points adrift of second-placed Manchester City. While they weren't serious contenders for the title in the 2019/20 season, ex-United star Scholes was adamant that the club weren't that far off from returning to the top of the table once again in the future. Speaking to BBC Radio5Live at the time, the former midfielder said: "There is a big gap to close, there's no doubt about that. The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see. "I really don't think they are a million miles away. I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it's two or three now. I think you are looking at a centre-forward, a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [Harry] Maguire. "Look, I think [Victor] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times (can get caught). If he's got a really dominant centre-half next to him like a Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam who bullies centre-forwards I think that would be a big help to the team." However, United's transfers during the summer window ahead of the 2020/21 season did not reflect Scholes's request for a defender and a world-class forward. In fact, fast forward five years on and the only star signed during that summer that still remains in contention at the club is Amad Diallo, following loan spells at Scottish club Rangers and newly-arriving Premier League side Sunderland. Ole Gunnar Solskjær instead signed Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri to the first team but failed to win any silverware as they were defeated on penalties in the Europa League final that year by Villarreal. The team finished second in the Premier League, 12 points behind champions City. Had club chiefs listened to Scholes and delivered the two signings he demanded, there's no telling if United would've been able to topple their arch-rivals. Despite bringing in more players, including big-name stars like Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo, United went backwards and ended up finishing sixth after Solskjaer had left his position midway through the 2021/22 season. One thing was clear to many when Solskjaer departed; United's squad were nowhere good enough to compete at the summit of the league and needed a serious rebuild. Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Solskjaer on a temporary basis, said as much by insisting they needed years and at least 10 new players to catch up with the likes of Liverpool and City. After Rangnick's brief but disappointing spell in charge, Erik ten Hag was appointed to take over the reins in May 2022. Despite installing a new progressive manager with a track record of winning, the transfer strategy remained a mess. Big money was spent on Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, but these players did not boost United's chances of league glory, and the team ended up finishing third, some 14 points off champions City. Bar an FA Cup trophy, the last two seasons at Old Trafford have been woeful. In 2025, United endured a historically bad Premier League season, recording their worst-ever points tally of 42 from 38 games and their lowest position of 15th. The attacking front mustered just 44 goals throughout the league campaign and failed to get across the line and salvage their season by losing in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Now, Scholes has insisted United make a move for another talented star to alleviate their scoring woes, telling the hierarchy to "just buy" Eberechi Eze this summer. The Crystal Palace midfielder has been a shining light in the Premier League this season, scoring the winner against City in the FA Cup final and handing the London side their first-ever major trophy. It was during England's 3-1 defeat to Senegal that Scholes made the plea to United, as the 26-year-old seemed to be one of the only positives during the loss earlier in June. During the game, Scholes posted a picture of Eze in an England shirt with the caption, "Just buy him", and it seems that he isn't the only United icon urging the club to make a move for the young attacker. Former United forward Dwight Yorke has also claimed Eze is "perfect" for the club. Yorke told The Metro: "Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace would be perfect for Manchester United. Yeah, he scored at the weekend in the FA Cup final, but it's not just about that. A year ago, maybe more, I said this kid and Michael Olise – who went to Bayern – United should buy them for £100 million. Put £100m down and you will get two fantastic players. "Instead, they listened to the figures in the hierarchy, which is understandable, but it's glaring just how good these two are. Eze has the decision-making, the talent, he's a good athlete, he can create and score. He's at the right age to step up and play on a bigger platform. It's a no-brainer." However, it looks like Scholes' pleas - and not for the first time - are set to fall on deaf ears as Spurs look to be ready to splash £68million and trigger Eze's release clause. The London club, who recently ended United's hopes for European glory with a 1-0 win in the Europa League final, are reportedly keen on landing Eze this summer. The Mirror understands that the young midfielder has been a longtime target for the Lilywhites, and new boss Thomas Frank is keen to strengthen his attacking line-up due to club captain Son Heung-min potentially leaving this summer. United are also planning to land Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo to complement their summer acquisition of Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, potentially putting to bed any plans to make a move for Eze as well. The club have just spent £62.5million on the ex-Wolves star, and also recently made an improved offer of more than £60m for Mbeumo. So, with almost £123m out the door already, an extra £68m on Eze doesn't seem likely. United have already paid the price once for not listening to Scholes' advice, but that doesn't seem to be deterring boss Ruben Amorim, who remains steadfast in his opinion that Mbeumo and a new striker are needed more than Eze. United have already missed out on their top striker target after Liam Delap decided to join Chelsea but remain hopeful of landing of Viktor Gyokeres despite the striker's preference to go to Arsenal.
