Paul Scholes has been massively impressed with Manchester United’s turnaround under Michael Carrick, crediting one experienced player with an ‘unbelievable’ transformation.
It has been a long season for Manchester United, but there may be hope yet.
United decided to sack Ruben Amorim following a topsy-turvy first half to the 2025/26 campaign. The Reds had finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham in his first season in charge.
There has been a dramatic improvement in form since Michael Carrick was appointed head coach until the end of the season. United have beaten Premier League title contenders Man City and Arsenal in the past two weeks and will be looking to make it three consecutive wins when they take on Fulham this weekend.
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The upcoming games will tell whether United have truly turned a corner, as it could strengthen their position in the race for a Champions League spot, which is something that seemed a daunting task for this side last month.
Now, ex-players who had been critical of the team are appearing more complimentary. Paul Scholes is the latest to rediscover his love for United players.
Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire celebrate against Arsenal
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Paul Scholes hails Harry Maguire transformation at Man Utd
There was a time Harry Maguire would be ridiculed.
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Every meme and joke on social media would reference the United centre-back, who was going through a hard spell in his career.
Maguire started to show a resurgence towards the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford, which continued under Amorim when he was often a Plan B option at times United were in desperate need of a goal.
Although it remains to be seen if Maguire will leave United at the end of his contract in the summer, like Casemiro, it must be acknowledged that his reputation is far superior now than it was a few years ago.
Maguire returned to training after an injury a few weeks ago, but didn’t make his proper return until United’s 2-0 win over Man City. He was a monster at the back and replicated that commanding performance against Arsenal a week later.
Scholes has been reflecting on Maguire’s turnaround on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, saying: “He has shown unbelievable character from a place he was.
“And even his own fans were ridiculing him at times, weren’t they? Badly as well.
“To fight back the way he has is unbelievable. Really, I say he looks young again. He’s got a bit of an energy, a bit of a burst about him.”
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Harry Maguire celebrating at Anfield
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Gary Lineker also showered Maguire with praise after his latest performance against Arsenal, which is further proof that he is thought highly of now rather than a joke.
Michael Carrick knows his best centre-back pairing
Amorim was known for switching defenders before and during games.
This made it difficult for United to settle on a defence, but it looks like Carrick has quickly addressed that, judging by his first two games in charge since returning to Old Trafford.
Maguire and Martinez have started both games at centre-back, which is likely to be the case again on Sunday against Fulham.
One player who may feel unfortunate is Ayden Heaven, as he was enjoying good form before being left out of the line-up for United’s 3-2 defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup.
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