Paul Scholes identifies Carlo Ancelotti as the ideal managerial candidate for Manchester United despite Michael Carrick success

Paul Scholes snubs Michael Carrick for the permanent Man Utd job, claiming Carlo Ancelotti is the "perfect" man manager to lead the club.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 6:22 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

The Search for a Permanent Successor

Manchester United continues to evaluate its long term managerial options following the January dismissal of Ruben Amorim. While interim head coach Michael Carrick has stabilized the club with an exceptional run of six wins and a draw in his first seven matches, the hierarchy is reportedly still considering external candidates. The debate among former players has intensified, with some advocating for Carrick’s permanent appointment and others calling for a more experienced, elite level manager to lead the next era at Old Trafford.

Scholes Advocates for Man Management Over Tactics

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Paul Scholes argued that Manchester United requires a leader in the mold of Sir Alex Ferguson—someone who prioritizes player relationships and motivation over rigid tactical systems. Scholes pointed to the failures of tactically "obsessed" coaches like Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso at high pressure clubs, suggesting that elite squads often respond better to the "man-management" styles exemplified by Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.

Ancelotti Viewed as the Gold Standard

Despite Ancelotti's current commitment to the Brazil national team, Scholes identified the Italian as the "perfect" candidate to make United's players "feel a million dollars." Scholes emphasized that Ancelotti’s vast experience in winning major trophies across Europe makes him a unique solution for a club struggling to reclaim its domestic dominance. The only significant concern raised was whether Ancelotti’s age might be a factor for a long term project, though his proven track record remains a compelling argument.