Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has won his first two games in charge.
Michael Carrick was appointed on a fixed basis until the end of the Premier League season, to buy Manchester United time to make a decision over the club’s next move.
Carrick was handed the most difficult possible start, facing the top two teams in the league.
Remarkably Carrick has led United to two consecutive victories, with the Red Devils exciting supporters by combining attacking football with winning results.
Michael Carrick, caretaker head coach of Manchester United, celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
It is too early to make a judgment on whether Carrick should get the job on a full-time basis. But after two matches, he has done his prospects no harm at all.
United fans are getting excited about Carrick’s start – but former players are urging caution.
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Paul Scholes tips Michael Carrick for another job
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that Michael Carrick is unlikely to land the role on a permanent basis.
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Scholes previously named Thomas Tuchel as his preferred option, and believes that if it is a choice between Carrick and the England boss, then United should opt for the more experienced manager.
Speaking to The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes says Carrick lacks the CV to stand a real chance.
He said: “If you are thinking Michael has got to go up against Thomas Tuchel in the summer, there is only one winner if you are looking at coaching big clubs and winning big prizes.
“You can’t really compete with that.”
Nicky Butt responded to say that despite this, Carrick is doing his own career prospects the world of good.
Butt said: “If Michael does a good job, his next job if he wants to stay in football as a manager for another club, it will be a big job.”
Scholes replied by naming the top Premier League job he believes Carrick could get instead of the United one.
“He could be a Tottenham manager from this. It wouldn’t surprise me.”
It’s worth noting that the Spurs role could become available, with Thomas Frank experiencing a difficult first season in charge.
Carrick’s United face Tottenham in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford in a fortnight.
Paul Scholes says Michael Carrick winning games could become a bad thing for Manchester United
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United pundits reluctant to back Carrick
Paul Scholes stated his view last week that Manchester United could ultimately have a problem if Michael Carrick performs well as head coach.
Scholes compared the scenario to United appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a successful caretaker spell.
Gary Neville also expressed his view that United should not consider Carrick for the role on a permanent basis.
And at the weekend Roy Keane told Sky Sports that he would not give Carrick the job even if he wins his final 15 matches in charge.
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