Paul Scholes has suggested there is a perfect manager for Manchester United, while questioning whether interim boss Michael Carrick has the experience to lead the club in the long term
Paul Scholes has proposed that Manchester United consider appointing Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager this summer. Although a permanent appointment is anticipated at the season’s end, interim head coach Michael Carrick has made a strong impression since succeeding Ruben Amorim in January and could be considered for the role on a long-term basis.
Former Reds midfielder Carrick now boasts the joint-best record of any Premier League manager over their initial seven matches, with six victories and one draw. United’s 2-1 comeback against Crystal Palace solidified their position in the top five, propelling them past Aston Villa into third place.
Nonetheless, Scholes is of the opinion that Ancelotti is the perfect fit for the club. Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football Podcast, he stated: “The perfect one out there – I say perfect – Ancelotti is still out there. I know he is coach of Brazil.
“He is the perfect one for Manchester United where you think he will make players feel a million dollars. And he has the experience of winning stuff.
“But the question is, is he too old now? That’s the only thing. Is there anyone else of that ilk, with more experience? They need presence as a leader.”
Ancelotti managed Real Madrid for four years before leaving the club last year, and whilst he will guide Brazil in this summer’s World Cup, he has been absent from domestic football since his departure.
Scholes, meanwhile, outlined why he thinks Carrick may lack the necessary experience to guide the Reds forward.
“The question is, has Michael got the experience?” Scholes continued. “I know it’s a big question, I know he has managed in the Championship, but this is different.
“Can we see Michael winning the Premier League? I don’t know yet, and I think the biggest thing is, what type of manager will they look for? A tactician or a man manager who looks after people? Ole Gunnar [Solskjaer] was that.”
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“But all the people who are man managers, they always have a brilliant coach next to them, which Michael has got [Steve Holland].
“The club have to decide, do they want a master tactician, which has failed. Ole Gunnar had the man management skills, but did he have the experience to go on and win a trophy? The same questions will be asked of Michael.”
United have ten fixtures remaining this season to secure their top-four position as they strive to return to European football.
Their most recent Champions League campaign was in the 2023/24 season, when they finished bottom of their group and were eliminated early. The subsequent season saw them reach the Europa League final, where they lost 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao.
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