Paul Scholes names his ‘perfect’ next Man United manager and why there are question marks about Michael Carrick’s future despite superb start
The next Manchester United manager should be Carlo Ancelotti, according to Paul Scholes.
United are set to appoint a long-term boss in the summer after Michael Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim as interim manager earlier this year, and the former midfielder has put his name in the running with an impressive start to his tenure.
He has the joint-best record of any manager in Premier League history over their first seven games, winning six of those matches and drawing one.
United’s win over Crystal Palace at the weekend only strengthened their grip on a top-five place in the league as they moved up to third.
According to Scholes, though, Carrick shouldn’t be in charge next season.
Former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti will lead Brazil at the World Cup this summer, but Scholes appears hopeful that United will be able to tempt him away from that role afterwards – because he is the ‘perfect’ option.
Paul Scholes (left) has said that Carlo Ancelotti (right) would be the ‘perfect’ next manager for Manchester United
Scholes raised concerns about Carrick’s experience in winning trophies when it comes to getting the role long-term
‘The perfect one out there – I say perfect – Ancelotti is still out there,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast. ‘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.’
Carrick has previous experience as a head coach, leading Championship side Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2025 before stepping into his role at Old Trafford.
But Scholes, who played alongside Carrick 160 times for both United and England, doubts his former team-mate’s experience in terms of winning trophies for the club.
‘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. 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.’
