Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has voiced reservations regarding Michael Carrick’s suitability for the permanent managerial role at Old Trafford, despite the interim boss’s nearly flawless start. Since stepping in to fill the vacancy left by Ruben Amorim in January 2026, Carrick has masterminded a remarkable turnaround, securing six victories from his first seven matches and propelling the Red Devils to third in the Premier League. However, while acknowledging that the former midfielder is currently forcing the hand of the United hierarchy with his elite form, Scholes argued that the club requires a more seasoned heavy-hitter to navigate the complexities of top-flight leadership.
The critique centers on Carrick’s relative lack of elite-level experience, having primarily cut his teeth in the Championship with Middlesbrough before this stint. While United’s current momentum has placed them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, Scholes believes the “perfect” solution lies elsewhere. The legendary playmaker suggested that the board should set their sights on Carlo Ancelotti, the current Brazilian national team coach, whose resume includes league titles in all of Europe’s top five divisions and a record-breaking haul of European silverware.
“The question over Michael is does he have the experience? I know he’s managed in the Championship but this is obviously different. Now the perfect one out there… Ancelotti is still out there, I know he’s with Brazil, but he’s that perfect one for Manchester United.”
The debate comes as United prepares for a pivotal midweek trip to Newcastle, where Carrick will look to extend his unbeaten streak and further solidify his candidacy. While many supporters have warmed to the idea of the “Class of ’92” star taking the reins long-term, Scholes insisted on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast that the club’s leadership must distinguish between a short-term “morale boost” and the tactical depth required to challenge for the Premier League title next season. For Scholes, Ancelotti represents the steady hand and international prestige that the club has lacked in recent managerial cycles.
As the June deadline for a permanent appointment approaches, the pressure is mounting on the United executive team to decide between the surging momentum of the “homegrown” Carrick and the proven pedigree of a continental giant like Ancelotti. With the Italian tactician recently linked to a contract extension with the Seleção, any move for him would likely require significant financial and diplomatic maneuvering. For now, Carrick remains the man in the dugout, tasked with proving Scholes wrong by maintaining United’s upward trajectory through the final months of the 2025/26 campaign.
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