The next Manchester United manager should be Carlo Ancelotti, according to former Red Devil 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 a more-than-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 standings as they moved up to third, and Carrick will soon be awaiting to find out if he will be in charge next year too.
According to Scholes, though, he shouldn't be. And that's because Ancelotti, who is currently the manager of the Brazil national team, is still working.
The former Real Madrid boss 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 after - because he is the 'perfect' option.
'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.'
justpeace
1
in the first and second tenor of Carrick he is still doing very well so let's him have the job let's give him a chance, the Davil you know is better than the angel you don't know, after all this coach he's still the best he have not lose any match
Zuaiklpuyz
0
Michael Carrick is the one we want, we had those so called big names and they failed us
Zuaiklpuyz
0
sometimes is not about big coaches
We had those so called big coaches but they failed us
Niudnpsu
1
Ex united player talking so much! U boss fogurson never talking anything how about u all
Niudnpsu
1
Scholes u say like this wrong, how about mikel arteta, he also young manager ? Must give the Carrick time to do something united. I believe he can do well.
dekbeioprz
0
Scholes, Neville and Roy can't stomach the fact that Carrick,who joined Man u after them has got the team winning again. So called experience managers failed us,...
zizilnrty
1
we want Carrick
zizilnrty
0
sometimes is not about big coaches
zizilnrty
0
Manchester united plz let's forget about big names, and still work with Carrick.
zenabelru
1
SCHOLES SHUT UP !
Zitaceimpu
2
Another Clueless Legend Who Is Sour Grapes And He Doesn't Know What They Are Talking About!
Coeaiklmty
0
As long as the players are willing to play for him, then there's no need of bringing another manager. It will end up in another system dismantle which will lead to another chaos
Coeaiklmty
0
sometimes, winning trophy is not by experience Paul. The great SAF, won trophy when he was still young. Just stop this senseless opinion
tindekmry
0
look at him father of Red Card
zobbekpu
0
Stop bothering Carrick, we have had enough from you paul. You talk shit and you always want to pull him back. You are a legend yes but not helpful to the club. Sit down in your house and apply for the job as a manager/coach.
Biuciknor
0
if they don't apoint him many big teams will run for his signature
Biuciknor
0
He is the enemy of progress at man u
Joabcknry
1
Shut your bad smelling mouth. We want Carrick.
nohakmny
0
We want Carrick
Pipacdeity
0
Paul Scholes is dillusional and doesn't know what he's saying this time
nicklptz
2
I said stop talking nonsense about another coach !! what language do you understand Scholes?
nicklptz
2
getaway Scholes I was respecting you all along not knowing that you are such a.....
Yakbcklnst
0
I disagree with Schooles, Michael Carrick is what Man Utd want now, experience does not come on silver Plata
wozaeklopy
0
these legends are full of jealous and do not appreciate or even encourage their former team mate. Let Carrick get the full time job and shame these guys.
Laeacenrtz
2
Paul Scholes. Keeping quiet is wisdom. You talk too much, meaning you are a f...l
adedefender
0
Jealousy at work.
isofadaik87
0
Let Michael Carrick be please. These guys are just too much talk. Did he Ancelotti with due respect starts by winning serially? Carrick is on the rise and this is the perfect job for him to announce himself to the world of football management. I trust Carrick
bencektuz
0
You're a shit Scholes
bencektuz
1
What did you win for england
Emmaveli29
0
Here they go again, all these so call United legends who love bringing people down and can't coach even a national league club
recbdnuy
0
I’m beginning to think Scholes probably didn’t get the love of a father hence his life around the presence of SAF. Cos why would anyone even suggest Carlos Ancelotti, currently hired by Brazil as the best manager to handle United from next season? It’s not coaching Scholes is after…he just needs a hug! And that’s not what football is about.
bencektuz
1
Scholes you're a nobody
PNYIKARA
1
Let Michael Carrick be handed the full managerial job if he ends the season with that performance consistently. Remember even last time when he was interim manager, he also performed well. Let's not doubt his tactics.