Man Utd legend Paul Scholes’ son aims cheeky dig at Gareth Southgate as England boss spotted with Kobbie Mainoo

PAUL SCHOLES’ son, Arron, has taken a cheeky dig at England boss Gareth Southgate on social media after he was spotted with Kobbie Mainoo.

Southgate drew derision last week when he announced his England squad without the inclusion of Manchester United wonderkid Mainoo.

The 18-year-old midfielder had missed out on the senior team but was promoted into the Under-21s.

However, after a stellar performance in midfield during Man Utd’s thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win over Liverpool, Southgate changed his decision and promoted Mainoo into the senior side.

Earlier on Wednesday, pictures showed Southgate and Mainoo having a chat while sitting down.

This week has also seen Southgate linked to the Man Utd job to replace Erik ten Hag when he eventually steps away from the England team, who he has managed since 2016.

And Arron, 24, couldn’t help but poke fun at Southgate relating to a potential transfer policy of his if he was to take over the Old Trafford gig.

He said on X, formerly known as Twitter, as if he were quoting Southgate: “Find a new club I’m signing Kalvin Phillips in the summer.”

Southgate is known to be a big fan of Phillips despite his recent struggles for both form and fitness at West Ham.

The on-loan Manchester City star was trusted by Southgate at the Euros in 2020, with England making the finals of the tournament.

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However, Phillips was dropped from the Three Lions squad to face Brazil and Belgium over the March international break.

On the decision, Southgate explained: “There are times when you know your best players are your best players.

“Other people might doubt it but you’re going with them because you know that you can get that level of performance from them.

“At the moment, I couldn’t be confident on the performances Kalvin’s had in the last few weeks that he could go onto the field and do the job we know that he’s capable of.

“So, there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t find that form. Nothing would give us more pleasure than having a Kalvin that’s back in the rhythm of playing and back to full confidence.

“We will be a better team, squad, whatever that might be, if that’s the case, so we’re hoping he can find that.

“Maybe a moment like this where you think, well, that’s perhaps the lowest it can get for him in terms of the last few months, now he can just go for it and be himself.”

After reporting to St Georges’ Park, Mainoo broke his silence on his sudden full England call up.

Speaking outside of Three Lions training, he said: “I was with the Under‑21s and I got a text from [the England assistant manager] Steve Holland telling me to come and meet him at reception.

“He just told me I’ve been called up… I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m excited. [My family] are all buzzing.”

In February, SunSport analysed seven midfield options to partner world class talents Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, and concluded Mainoo would be the best fit for the job.

It seems Southgate has now subscribed to this way of thinking as well.

And Southgate may hand the Carrington Academy graduate his international debut against one of Brazil or Belgium – though in what capacity this could be remains to be seen.

Arron’s old man made his own England debut in 1997 at the age of 22 and went on to make 66 appearances, while Mainoo doesn’t turn 19 until April 19.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk