Scholes mocked Soccer Aid's sky-blue Old Trafford flags in 2023 charity match

Paul Scholes used Instagram to poke fun at Soccer Aid organisers before the 2023 charity match at Old Trafford, posting a photo of the packed stadium and writing: “Somebody has to be taking the p*** with these flags” — a reference to the sky-blue and white flags that gave United’s home ground an uncomfortable resemblance to the colours of cross-city rivals Manchester City.

Scholes’ complaint was firmly tongue-in-cheek, and he went on to have an eventful evening for the England side. The former midfielder turned back the clock with a spectacular long-range goal that put England 2-1 ahead against the World XI, only to be substituted after falling awkwardly in a challenge with former United teammate Nani. The World XI ultimately won the match 4-2.

Despite picking up a knee injury, Scholes was philosophical in a follow-up Instagram post. “Knee’s f**, but couldn’t give two s**,” he wrote. “Nothing will ever give me a better feeling than playing in front of a full house at Old Trafford and scoring a goal. Great couple of days with some very funny people.”

Scholes, widely regarded as one of United’s all-time greats, made over 700 appearances for the club across a 19-year professional career, winning 25 trophies including 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

Soccer Aid was co-founded by pop star Robbie Williams and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes in support of the global children’s charity UNICEF. This year’s edition marks the competition’s 20th anniversary and is scheduled for Sunday, 31 May at the London Stadium in Stratford, with kick-off at 6.30pm.

The 2025 England squad includes footballing names such as Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Jack Wilshere, alongside celebrities including Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson and Olly Murs.