Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was left unimpressed when his daughter donned an Arsenal shirt just before the Red Devils’ Premier League clash against the Gunners.
The Old Trafford side, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, welcomed the north London team on Sunday to kick off their new campaign.
United fell to 1-0 defeat, with Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header clinching victory for the Gunners, despite the hosts dominance.
This outcome would have done little to lift Scholes’ spirits following a challenging start to the match.
His 24-year-old daughter Alicia captured her father’s reaction as she entered the living room sporting an Arsenal shirt. Scholes, 50, had a straightforward response to her choice of clothing, swiftly stating: “Take it off.”
She promptly dismissed that request. Alicia is one of three children that Scholes has with wife Claire Froggatt. They also have a 25-year-old son, Arron, and Aiden, who is 20.
Alicia is currently pursuing a career in netball. She plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and also represents England internationally.
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Scholes will undoubtedly be hoping that Alicia switches her loyalties soon. He has already expressed optimism for a better season at Old Trafford this year following their disappointing form last term.
Ahead of Sunday’s season opener, he commented: “It’s a tricky one after being so bad last year. Now seasons can change.
“We saw last year with Nottingham Forest, it doesn’t have to take five to 10 years to get back where you want to be.
“Although it is looking better, I still think there are issues with the team. The midfield, I know we don’t want to go through it again. But, top six. I think top six would be more than acceptable.
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“As much as you don’t want to say that, I always think Manchester United should aim for the very best and aim for the highest. I am just not sure. I think there are too many good teams now.
“I think Liverpool, Chelsea and City are all on the up. Arsenal [as well], I did not even mention Aston Villa, Newcastle. I think there is a lot of competition now to get top six.”
United return to Premier League action this weekend when they make the trip to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
And Scholes will be hoping that Alicia doesn’t opt to don a Cottagers jersey on this occasion.
