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Paul Scholes' daughter sends touching message to Man Utd great over care for autistic son

Paul Scholes' daughter Alicia has sent an emotional message to the Manchester United legend after he opened up about caring for his autistic son Aiden

[Paul Scholes]

Paul Scholes explained his decision to step back from punditry work(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

Paul Scholes' daughter Alicia has shown her unwavering support for her father after he revealed details about looking after his autistic son Aiden.

The Manchester United legend, who has separated from his wife Claire, disclosed that he took a step back from his television punditry duties this season to concentrate on caring for and spending quality time with his 20-year-old autistic son.

"I made a decision this year because of Aiden, obviously due to his special needs you might know about," Scholes explained on the Stick to Football podcast.

"All the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I'm going to do it is around Aiden. We always do the same things with him as he doesn't know what day of the week it is or time.

"But he'll know from what we're doing what day it is. I pick him up every Tuesday from his daycare and we go swimming. Loves swimming then we get his pizza on the way home. Thursday pick him up, go for something to eat, go home. Sunday, I pick him up from Claire's house and we go to Tesco where he buys a trolley full of chocolate. So, he doesn't know what day or time it is, but he knows from what we're doing what day it is. He'll be 21 in December."

[Alicia Scholes]

Alicia Scholes put her support behind Paul Scholes' decision

[Alicia Scholes]

Alicia sent an emotional message to her dad(Image: alicia.scholesx/Instagram)

Alicia took to Instagram to praise her father's courage in opening up about her brother's circumstances. She wrote: "I've never known anyone hate talking about themselves more than you! I can only imagine how hard it was to speak about Aidie and the reality of a very very hard situation.

"My whole life your priority has always been being my dad, and growing up and realising how hard you had to work everyday alongside that is something I can't even comprehend. To achieve all you did takes so much sacrifice and hard work and somehow I still had you to take me to school every morning and be there at the end of each day, so present in every aspect of my life!.

"If anyone met you they wouldn't have a clue the life you've lived, they'd just see a genuinely kind, polite, caring person. You don't care about people who don't matter, and out of everything that is the most valuable thing i have learnt from you. The thing I am proudest of is being your daughter, you are the best role model and father figure I could ever have, and you do it so effortlessly.

[Alicia Scholes]

Alicia plays netball for London Pulse(Image: alicia.scholesx/Instagram)

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"Anyway well done on this episode dad it was amazing and if Aidie could tell you himself he would say you really are the best dad in the world, we love you millions."

The heartfelt tribute drew countless replies, with United legend David Beckham among those responding: "Perfect words for your amazing dad."

In addition to Alicia and Aiden, Scholes has another son named Arron. Alicia, a netball player who plays as a wing attack and centre, signed with London Pulse in 2021.

She was instrumental in the club's landmark triumph in the Netball Super Cup in July 2025, marking their inaugural victory in the tournament.

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