Paul Scholes has named his “perfect” candidate to become Manchester United manager, wanting the club to make an offer following the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester United continued their unbeaten run under Michael Carrick on Sunday with a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
A comeback thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty and Benjamin Šeško header handed United the three points as they jumped to third in the Premier League.
However, questions still remain about who will lead from the touchline next season. Carrick’s brilliant form may have earned him the permanent job, but the intention was for the 44-year-old to take over for the remainder of the season only.
The managerial market has been troublesome for United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, leaving fans desperate for the correct long-term answer.
Paul Scholes names his ideal candidate for Man Utd job
United legend, Paul Scholes has named his preferred manager to take the reins after Carrick following the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast, he stated: “The perfect one out there – I say perfect – Ancelotti is still out there. 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.”
Ancelotti’s last club management resulted in two Champions League trophies as he guided Real Madrid to European glory. But after getting eliminated by Arsenal in 2024/25, the Italian found his next role managing the Brazilian national squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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Man Utd opting for a proven winner
United’s managerial approach has varied over the past 12 years, with many different approaches taken in an attempt to re-establish the club as fighting for major titles.
Ancelotti is a proven winner at the grandest of stages, but United have opted for this route before with Jose Mourinho which quickly turned sour.
The Portuguese manager also managed at Real Madrid before securing a Europa League title to bring back to Old Trafford, as well as a second-place finish in the Premier League, accumulating the most points of any Man United manager in a season post-Ferguson.
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However, Mourinho’s time at United took a dark turn as he was sacked the following December after a run of poor form, leaving the same question about what approach to take for the next manager.
For now, United will stay focused on securing Champions League football next season, regardless of whether it will be Carrick, Ancelotti or any other manager. The Red Devils take the trip up to Newcastle for their midweek tie as they look to keep their unbeaten run alive.
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