Paul Scholes Steps Away from Punditry to Support Autistic Son Aiden

• A Manchester United legend suddenly walked away from live football, but the real reason behind his decision is deeply personal
• Scholes opened up for the first time about a struggle that has shaped his entire life off the pitch.
• What Scholes revealed about his son’s condition and their unbreakable daily routine has left fans emotional

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has stepped down from live football punditry to devote more time to his son, Aiden, who lives with severe autism.

The former England midfielder shared that his work and daily life are now entirely centered on meeting his son’s needs.

Paul Scholes leaves TNT Sports punditry job

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Paul Scholes opened up about his decision to quit live TV work, explaining that his son’s condition requires constant attention and structure, as reported by One Football. Aiden, 20, is non-verbal but understands much of what happens around him.

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According to The Standard, Scholes said that while his son cannot communicate with words, those close to him can interpret his sounds and gestures.

Scholes, 50, had been a regular presence on TNT Sports’ coverage of Manchester United matches, including their Europa League campaign last season. His last broadcast appearance was in May, during United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham in Bilbao. Since then, he has decided to stop traveling for work in order to fully accommodate Aiden’s daily routine.

Paul Scholes' divorce

Since splitting from his wife Claire in 2020 after 27 years of marriage, the pair have shared care duties equally. Scholes explained that their son thrives on routine, swimming every Tuesday, eating out on Thursdays, and shopping trips for chocolate on Sundays. Though Aiden doesn’t grasp time or days, he recognizes each activity as part of his weekly rhythm.

All of Scholes’ current commitments, including his new podcast with Nicky B. and Paddy McGuinness, are built around this routine. He now prefers studio-based work or projects that allow him to remain close to home.

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Last season, his Europa League duties clashed with his parenting schedule, leading to distress for Aiden, which convinced Scholes to make a permanent change.

The former midfielder has also shared glimpses of his life with Aiden on social media, receiving heartfelt messages from parents in similar situations. He admitted that he only posts the positive moments, avoiding images from more difficult times when his son becomes agitated.

As featured by The Standard, Scholes described the early years as the toughest, often turning up to Manchester United training sessions with bite or scratch marks. He never sought sympathy, believing talking about it wouldn’t change the situation. Now, his main concern is the future, what will happen to Aiden when he is no longer around to care for him.

Paul Scholes hails Barcelona's Pedri

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that during one of his punditry duties, Paul Scholes was full of superlatives for Barcelona's Pedri.

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The Manchester United and Premier League great made the comments after Hansi Flick’s side secured a 2-0 Champions League victory over Newcastle United.

Source: YEN.com.gh