Paul Scholes has never been a man to hide his opinions, and when the Manchester United legend sat down with darts sensation Luke Littler, he delivered another reminder of why his football banter remains so entertaining.
The former United midfielder was asked a question that could easily have turned into an uncomfortable conversation for any lifelong Red Devils supporter: which Liverpool players, past or present, would he have wanted to see wearing Manchester United colours?
For a rivalry as fierce as United versus Liverpool, there was never going to be a straightforward answer. And with legendary Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard entering the conversation, Scholes could not resist taking a cheeky swipe at one of his greatest rivals.
The exchange quickly became one of the most entertaining moments from the pair’s football discussion, blending genuine admiration for Liverpool’s best players with the sort of rivalry-driven humour that supporters on both sides know all too well.
Scholes Takes Aim at Steven Gerrard
The moment came during a special edition of The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, where Scholes joined Littler for a segment called ‘Cards on the Table’.
Littler, a passionate Manchester United supporter, read out the question: “Which Liverpool players, past or present, do you wish played for United?”
The 19-year-old initially laughed off the idea of recruiting anyone from Liverpool, suggesting that he would not choose a single player.
Scholes, however, was prepared to consider a few names, beginning with a defender who has established himself among the Premier League’s outstanding centre-backs.
Before getting to that, though, the former United star brought Gerrard into the discussion.
“I reckon people will be saying Gerrard, won’t they?” Scholes said. “He’d have been a good sub for us, actually, wouldn’t he! I’m only joking, Steven, I’m joking.
“If we needed a player now, it would be Van Dijk. Or the keeper, I like the keeper AlissonAlisson as well. But apart from that, nobody.”
That little dig at Gerrard was classic rivalry banter. Scholes was clearly joking, but describing a player of Gerrard’s calibre as a potential substitute for Manchester United was always going to raise a few eyebrows among Liverpool supporters.
Gerrard was one of Liverpool’s defining players during his time at Anfield, captaining the club and helping deliver major silverware, including the unforgettable 2005 Champions League triumph.
He was also a midfielder renowned for his leadership, powerful shooting, passing range and ability to influence important matches.
Suggesting that such a player would have been a good substitute at Old Trafford was therefore a cheeky way for Scholes to keep the rivalry alive.
Liverpool fans might not appreciate the joke, but that is precisely what makes these conversations entertaining. Neither former player needs to pretend that the rivalry has disappeared simply because their playing careers are over.
Would Gerrard Have Succeeded at Manchester United?
The Gerrard-versus-Scholes debate has followed English football for years, with supporters regularly arguing over which midfielder was superior.
Both players had different strengths, and their careers unfolded in different circumstances. Gerrard often carried significant responsibility for Liverpool, while Scholes operated within a Manchester United side that enjoyed sustained domestic and European success under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes was an exceptional passer who could control the rhythm of a match, find space between the lines and dictate possession without needing to dominate the spotlight.
Gerrard, meanwhile, offered a more explosive all-round package, combining defensive work, athleticism, long-range shooting and the ability to produce decisive moments when his team needed them.
It is difficult to imagine either player struggling to make an impact at the other’s club purely because of footballing ability.
Indeed, Scholes has previously acknowledged Gerrard’s quality when discussing comparisons between them. The rivalry might encourage supporters to pick sides, but both midfielders belong in conversations about the Premier League’s most influential players.
That makes the substitute joke even funnier. Scholes knew exactly which buttons he was pressing.
Van Dijk and Alisson Earn Scholes’ Respect
Once the Gerrard banter had passed, Scholes turned his attention to Liverpool’s more recent stars.
His first choice was Virgil van Dijk, whose commanding presence at centre-back has made him one of the most recognisable defenders of his generation.
For Manchester United, the attraction is obvious. A defender who combines aerial strength, composure in possession, positional awareness and leadership could make a significant difference to almost any side.
United supporters have spent years debating the club’s defensive consistency, particularly when performances have fallen short of expectations. Van Dijk’s ability to organise a back line and remain calm under pressure makes him an understandable choice.
Scholes also highlighted Alisson Becker, another player whose reputation rests on more than individual brilliance.
A top goalkeeper can transform a team’s confidence, particularly when opponents are applying pressure or creating dangerous chances. Alisson’s shot-stopping, distribution and decision-making have made him a crucial figure during his Liverpool career.
Scholes’ choices were revealing because they were practical rather than sentimental. Instead of filling his hypothetical United team with famous Liverpool names from the past, he identified positions where he believed elite quality would be particularly valuable.
And he did not stop there.
Littler Makes His Own Choice
Littler eventually offered a name of his own, selecting Mohamed Salah.
“I think I’ll have to go with Salah,” Littler said. “We’ve not been treated with right wingers, have we?”
It was an interesting admission from a supporter who initially wanted nothing to do with Liverpool’s players.
Rather than focusing on the rivalry, Littler recognised a position where Manchester United could benefit from an attacker capable of producing goals, creating chances and consistently troubling defenders.
Scholes was quick to agree with him.
“Yeah. I forgot about him, yeah,” he said. “He’s not bad, him, is he? We’ll have two – Mo Salah and Van Dijk.”
The conversation therefore ended with the pair agreeing on two names, even if their initial reactions suggested they would struggle to find common ground.
Salah’s inclusion also highlighted how football rivalries can change when supporters are asked to evaluate players without the emotional baggage of a matchday.
Fans might never want to celebrate a rival’s success, but that does not mean they cannot recognise outstanding ability.
For United, the prospect of adding an attacker with Salah’s scoring record and a defender with Van Dijk’s leadership would be difficult to dismiss, regardless of where those players built their reputations.
Littler’s United Loyalty Goes Beyond Football
The Liverpool discussion was only one part of the wider conversation between Scholes and Littler.
The darts star also revealed just how much Manchester United means to him when asked whether he would rather win another World Darts Championship or see the club complete another treble.
Scholes was surprised by Littler’s answer.
“Honestly? I wouldn’t,” Scholes said when considering the same choice.
Littler explained his position by pointing out that he had never experienced United’s famous 1999 treble as a conscious football supporter.
“My dad witnessed the treble, I didn’t,” Littler explained.
Born in 2007, Littler was not around when United won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season. Although he has already achieved extraordinary success in darts, experiencing another historic campaign from his club would clearly mean something special to him.
Scholes responded with a light-hearted prediction about Littler’s future in darts, suggesting that another world championship would eventually come his way.
The exchange offered a glimpse into the personality behind Littler’s success. For all his achievements on the oche, he remains a supporter who can become just as enthusiastic about football as anyone watching from the stands.
Why the Scholes and Littler Conversation Matters
What made this exchange enjoyable was not simply the Gerrard dig. It was the combination of football knowledge, humour and genuine affection for a club that continues to inspire passionate debate.
Scholes knows better than most that Manchester United and Liverpool supporters rarely agree on anything. Yet he was willing to acknowledge the quality of players who have helped define Liverpool’s modern era.
Littler, meanwhile, showed that even the most committed United fans can put rivalry aside long enough to recognise when another club has a player worth admiring.
The Gerrard joke will inevitably divide opinion, especially among Liverpool supporters who believe their former captain deserves far more than a place on the bench at Old Trafford.
But that is part of the fun. Football would lose some of its character if former rivals stopped trading jokes and challenging each other’s opinions.
So, what do you think? Was Scholes simply enjoying a bit of harmless banter, or would Gerrard genuinely have struggled to displace United’s midfield legends? And if you could choose just one Liverpool great to play for Manchester United, would you pick Gerrard, Van Dijk or Salah?