Paul Scholes has taken a very different position from his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney over whether United should receive the 2011-12 Premier League title if Manchester City are eventually stripped of it.
Rooney has said he would not feel comfortable accepting a winners’ medal because he believes United did not do enough to win the championship that season.
Scholes, however, made his position clear in a blunt social media response, insisting he would happily accept another medal.
‘I Want My Medal’, Says Scholes
Scholes responded after hearing former United players discuss the possibility of being awarded the title following the Premier League’s verdict against City.
In an Instagram post, the former midfielder jokingly described himself as a “greedy” former player who wanted the medal added to his collection.
The contrasting opinions highlight the growing debate among members of United’s celebrated squad from the 2011-12 campaign.
Rooney Says United Did Not Deserve the Trophy
Rooney previously explained his position on his YouTube programme, Stick to United.
The former England captain said he would not want a Premier League winners’ medal from that season, even if City ultimately lost the title as a consequence of their financial case.
Rooney pointed to United’s own performance during the campaign, arguing that the team had been in a strong position late in the season but failed to finish the job.
He recalled that United had held a significant lead with only a handful of matches remaining before allowing City to close the gap.
City Won the Title in Dramatic Fashion
The 2011-12 Premier League title race remains one of the most dramatic in English football history.
City eventually finished level on points with United but claimed the championship on goal difference after Sergio Aguero scored a stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers on the final day.
United therefore missed out despite having led the race for much of the campaign.
For Rooney, that outcome means the team should not retrospectively claim the championship simply because City could potentially lose the title over matters unrelated to what happened on the pitch.
Scholes and Rooney Won Five Titles Together
Scholes and Rooney shared the Manchester United dressing room during one of the club’s most successful periods.
The pair won five Premier League titles together and were key figures under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes already has 11 Premier League winners’ medals from his distinguished career, while Rooney also enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Old Trafford.
Their opposing views now add another layer to an increasingly controversial debate about how Premier League titles could be treated if City’s punishment ultimately affects their historic achievements.
Manchester City Appeals Guilty Verdict
The dispute follows a legal verdict in which Manchester City were found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 financial charges brought against the club by the Premier League.
City have rejected the findings and confirmed that they have lodged an appeal.
In a statement, the club argued that the verdict contained significant errors of law, principle and fact and maintained that the club was innocent of the accusations.
City also said a substantial body of evidence supported its position and that it would respect the legal process while the appeal continues.
Former United Players Want Title Recognition
The possibility of United being awarded the 2011-12 championship has already divided former players.
Rio Ferdinand and David De Gea have publicly expressed support for the idea of receiving recognition for the season, while Rooney has taken the opposite position.
Scholes has now made it clear that he would be willing to accept the medal should the Premier League ultimately strip City of the title.
City’s Appeal Could Determine What Happens Next
The issue is unlikely to be settled immediately because City’s appeal remains outstanding.
Under current Premier League rules, an appeal hearing must take place within 12 weeks of being lodged, with a decision expected within 30 days of the hearing.
The hearing itself can last no more than five days.
City are reportedly expected to challenge the verdict on several grounds, including arguments surrounding sponsorship arrangements involving the government of Abu Dhabi.
Until the legal process is completed, the status of City’s historic titles remains a matter of debate — and the disagreement between Rooney and Scholes shows just how divided former United players are over what should happen if the 2012 championship is eventually taken away.
