Paul Scholes claimed Michael Carrick was not "ruthless" enough over the summer, which he believes played a part in his Manchester United sacking.
Carrick was dismissed by United on Thursday, following reports that he may be replaced during the international break, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout.
While Carrick impressed as interim boss in the second half of last season, leading the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League, he struggled to make the same impact as their permanent boss.
Carrick won 12 of his 17 games at the helm in 2025-26 (70%, D3 L2). The Red Devils also averaged 1.94 goals per game in that span, while conceding 1.05.
But this term, United have won three of 15 games in all competitions (20%, D5 L5), averaging 1.6 goals for and exactly 2.0 goals against per match.
Their dismal start has left them sitting in 18th place in the Premier League, following just one win in their first 10 league games of 2026-27 (D5 L4).
And former United midfielder Scholes believes Carrick should have made more wide-reaching changes to the squad over the summer, with that hindering their prospects.
"Winning one league game in 10 league games is just not going to cut it," Scholes said on 'The Good, The Bad & The Football' podcast.
"He did so well when he first came in. His audition, if you like, was very good.
"But I do think he missed a bit of a trick in the summer; he could have been more ruthless with players that we know, and a lot of people said, just weren't good enough if Man Utd were going to get to the next level.
"They did finish well last year, but Man Utd should be thinking about winning trophies."
United are reportedly finalising a deal with United States boss Pochettino to be their next head coach, having said they "intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."
Pochettino is a well-known face in the Premier League, having managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the competition.
The Argentinian (150) has recorded the 12th-most wins as a manager in the competition and is just six games off his 300th Premier League match. He would become the 21st manager to hit that milestone.
Pochettino had been linked with the United job in the past and has spoken about his wish to return to the Premier League since becoming an international manager.
While Scholes is a fan of Pochettino, he is worried his appointment will come several years too late.
"Mauricio Pochettino is a great manager," Scholes added. "He's got the presence to manage a big football club like Man Utd.
"He's got experience of working with young players, which is what Man Utd want.
"My only slight concern is that they have come a little bit too late to the party. He's got a bit of a reputation of being a bridesmaid, of not winning trophies.
"That possibly put Man Utd off a little bit in the past. They are in a totally different position now, though. They are possibly not even thinking about winning things."
United's first game back after the international break is away to Liverpool, before a trip to Sporting CP in the Champions League.
Wupeiluz
1
I said this the other day. Carrick is too soft to be a coach.
Nezbdisyz
1
Scholes your 100% right mc to cool,and the syndicates took advantage of him Bruno,Martinez,Cunha,Amad,Dalot and others played their rolls to removed him just because he accepted Rashford back in the team now he has paid the price of being generous RIP.
umaryoung
0
We Will Miss See You Stand Behind Center Line As A Coach
Ceeblopuyz
2
... Scholesy was absolutely right - Michael Carrick was certainly NOT ruthless, he was rather just TOO DOCILE, too GENTLEMANLY. The incoming Mricio P. seems to have the same posture, and I hope he succeeds.
laobckouz
1
Mourinho was ruthless but got sacked too
Kenabkmru
0
hes fucking rite" be ruthless at time an u get d respec u need" hes too soft
muzaikoprz
1
💯
Hoyabeklrz
3
my god!! Scholes is such an annoying person. don't have the talent or guts to manage any team and talking big things.
Davichi
2
OK. Is it Pochettino who's ruthless?
netdekmt
2
the problem is only the management the coach was fine
Melusisibs
0
Early this season before his appointment is said Carrick is not good enough to be the permanent Manager but as Care taker was so good. But when they gave him a chance we said let's support him but first game n second game I told myself since Carrick arrival the players are very lazy 😴 until today m not happy though coz they keep on changing Managers yet the problem is still there Avram should leave this Club . No to New Stadium but New owners
Zasaeikmoy
0
Man U will keep changing coaches
wamceouy
0
indeed man utd is a useless team, the owners think is by changing coach, Carrick have a heart for the team with understand he could have build the team like arteta did in Arsenal
cuebcmstu
0
Nobody is good enough for Man U because it’s ran by idiots and the ones that clam they love man are the biggest haters of Man U carrick was was good enough last season and now he isn’t good anymore
Hehaelmop
0
You lack sense
Exactly
wuobdekp
0
mmmm! what do you want? what happened to Mr ten hugs. you were also criticizing him as a cruel coach. the problem are not these coach. let's just adopt this Chelsea way of living sacking coaches every season it a shame. I think those voice of two players should be heard in silence, understand what they were trying to say.
BallySen
0
Indeed too soft, that's what cost us more which draws us backward.
Yatabkptyz
1
Scholes only ruthless with the microphone 😂😂😂😂
pehcinsz
0
Pochettino will be sacked in the summer, Next season Next manager
Orazulike
2
But what's the problem of that so called garlic or Carrick you brought man united from down to second position the same you bring them down again what a nonsense coach
You lack sense
Tuebikmtuy
4
Man United should as a matter of fact appoint scholes, Neville or Ferdinand as coach, I want to check something.
kg-4991
0
So why is Scholes himself, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane etc. doing easy job as 'punditries' hiding behind the scenes and just being 'Critics' not a single of them getting in the dugout to steer Man Utd? Shame indeed!
They are paid to talk. Everything that comes out of their mouth goes 1000 times more into their wallets. There is a reason they are called pundits and not as managers or coaches.
Memdklnstu
0
But what's the problem of that so called garlic or Carrick you brought man united from down to second position the same you bring them down again what a nonsense coach
Jtikol
0
You chased Amorim for being ruthless now see
Jtikol
0
Foolish comrade
baablrstuy
0
So why is Scholes himself, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane etc. doing easy job as 'punditries' hiding behind the scenes and just being 'Critics' not a single of them getting in the dugout to steer Man Utd? Shame indeed!
That was their target not managing clubs
baablrstuy
1
Amorim was Ruthless but no one valued him instead he thrown the same way as Carrick,so what's the difference.Man U needs to go beyond the coaching staff
finciklmnz
1
okay na