Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to make a bold and experienced appointment in the dugout, advising the club to pursue Carlo Ancelotti rather than handing the job permanently to Michael Carrick.
The former United midfielder, who enjoyed years of dominance at Old Trafford, believes the club is at a critical crossroads. While he has been impressed by Carrick’s steady influence since stepping into the managerial spotlight, Scholes insists that sentiment and short-term improvement should not cloud long-term ambition. For him, Manchester United’s standards demand a manager with a proven track record of winning the biggest trophies in world football — and that, he argues, is where Ancelotti stands apart.
Carrick’s spell in charge has drawn praise from supporters and pundits alike. Calm on the touchline and tactically measured, the former United midfielder has overseen an upturn in performances, restoring confidence to a squad that had looked fragile earlier in the campaign. Results have improved, the dressing room appears more united, and there is a renewed sense of belief around Old Trafford. For many fans, Carrick represents continuity, stability, and a strong connection to the club’s traditions.
However, Scholes believes the Manchester United job demands more than promise and emotional attachment. He argues that while Carrick may have the potential to become a top coach in the future, the timing may not yet be right for him to take full control of one of the biggest clubs in world football. According to Scholes, the scale of expectation at United — domestically and in Europe — requires a manager who has navigated the pressures of elite competition and emerged victorious on multiple occasions.
That is why Ancelotti’s name stands out in Scholes’ view. The Italian is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished managers of the modern era. His résumé includes league titles in multiple countries and Champions League triumphs, achievements that place him among the most respected figures in the game. Scholes believes that experience — particularly the ability to manage high-profile players and deliver success in knockout competitions — is exactly what Manchester United need to re-establish themselves as consistent title contenders.
Another aspect Scholes admires about Ancelotti is his calm authority. United have endured turbulence in recent seasons, with managerial changes disrupting long-term planning. Scholes feels the club must avoid another transitional experiment and instead appoint someone capable of immediately commanding respect in the dressing room and imposing a winning culture. Ancelotti’s reputation, tactical flexibility, and man-management skills are seen as vital qualities that could accelerate United’s rebuilding process.
There is also a broader strategic element to Scholes’ argument. Manchester United are not simply seeking stability; they are seeking silverware. Competing with Europe’s elite requires experience at the very highest level. Scholes suggests that appointing Ancelotti would send a powerful message to rivals that United are serious about reclaiming their place among football’s heavyweights.
Of course, such an appointment would not be straightforward. Ancelotti’s commitments and the complexity of negotiating with a manager of his stature would present significant challenges. But Scholes believes that if the opportunity arises, United must act decisively. In his view, this is not a time for cautious internal promotion — it is a moment that calls for proven leadership.
Carrick, Scholes insists, should still be respected for the work he has done. His professionalism and tactical awareness have helped steady the ship, and his future in management remains bright. Yet the former midfielder maintains that managing Manchester United permanently requires a different level of experience — one built on decades of elite success rather than early promise.
As debate continues among supporters, Scholes’ stance reflects a familiar theme among former players: ambition must match the club’s history. Manchester United’s legacy is built on winning major honours, and in Scholes’ eyes, appointing Carlo Ancelotti would be the clearest sign yet that the club intends to restore that winning identity.
Whether the hierarchy at Old Trafford will follow that advice remains to be seen. But Scholes has made his position clear — respect Carrick’s contribution, but if Manchester United truly want to return to the summit of European football, they should turn to the experience and pedigree of Carlo Ancelotti.