Paul Scholes expects scrutiny from Jose Mourinho after first step into management with Oldham Athletic

Paul Scholes expects his first attempt at management with Oldham Athletic to be scrutinised by Jose Mourinho - although probably not in person. As a pundit the former Manchester United midfielder, who has signed an 18-month contract with Oldham, was one of the Portuguese's most damning critics during his spell at Old Trafford. However, Scholes has now swapped the television studio for the dugout as he seeks to lead Oldham - his boyhood club and close to where he now lives - out of League Two. "I think he will be watching results," said Scholes when asked about Mourinho. "Whether he will be watching the games I am not too sure. "That is part of the thing that bugged me a little bit. I wanted to get into it (management) anyway but I have left myself wide open. I have been quite critical. "I don't think we will get many pundits watching - (although) if we are losing games I am sure people will be popping up - can say what they want. "I have never really understood why players and managers take notice of what pundits say anyway. They are just giving an opinion on the game and get paid for doing so. "If anyone wants to have a dig at me, I won't be taking any notice. The only person I answer to is the owner." Scholes has plenty of former colleagues and friends for support and advice and while he may tap into contacts at Manchester United (friend Nicky Butt is head of the academy there) he is keen to find his own way in management. But he always has the great Alex Ferguson to call on should he need some wisdom. "I'd speak to anyone yeah, I'm sure the gaffer is on the other end of the phone," he added. "He'll want me to do well and if I need any help from him, I'll be ringing him, of course I will. "I've got great experience with Gary (Neville) too, what he did in Valencia, Ryan (Giggs) with Wales and under Louis Van Gaal (at United). "I'll definitely be speaking to them a lot. When I'm not quite sure what to do I'll be looking to them for advice."

Paul Scholes expects scrutiny from Jose Mourinho after first step into management with Oldham Athletic

Former Manchester United midfielder was a fierce critic of the Portuguese during his spell in charge at Old Trafford