Manchester United disappointing run has intensified questions over Michael Carrick’s future, with Paul Scholes already identifying several managers he believes could lead the club forward.
United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 25, 2026, extending their winless run in all competitions to eight matches. The result increased pressure on Carrick, whose team has struggled to find consistency during the opening stages of the season.
Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson secured a convincing victory for Bournemouth. United supporters responded with boos at the final whistle, reflecting growing frustration with the team’s performances.
The defeat has left Manchester United sitting 16th in the Premier League table after eight matches, placing them uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
With speculation surrounding Carrick’s position continuing to grow, attention has turned to potential replacements. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has previously discussed several experienced managers who could suit the club, including Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Zinedine Zidane.
Michael Carrick Faces Growing Pressure at Manchester United
Carrick was appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager after guiding the team to a top-five Premier League finish last season. However, maintaining that progress has proved difficult amid a demanding schedule and limited squad depth.
United’s recent results have raised concerns about their tactical approach, defensive organisation and ability to respond when under pressure.
Questions have also emerged about the atmosphere inside the dressing room. Bruno Fernandes reportedly expressed concerns about Carrick’s tactics following United’s Champions League defeat to Como earlier in the week.
Such developments have added another layer of uncertainty to the manager’s position.
Although a poor run of results does not automatically mean a managerial change is imminent, United’s current league position leaves little room for further setbacks. The club must find a way to restore confidence and collect points if it hopes to improve its standing.
For now, the discussion surrounding Carrick’s future has also brought Scholes’ previous comments about possible managerial candidates back into focus.
Carlo Ancelotti Emerges as Paul Scholes’ Ideal Candidate
In March, Scholes identified Carlo Ancelotti as a manager who could bring valuable experience and leadership to Manchester United.
Speaking on the Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former midfielder highlighted Ancelotti’s ability to manage high-profile players and deliver trophies at the highest level.
“The perfect manager, in my opinion, is still available. Ancelotti is still there,” Scholes said.
He added that the Italian would be a suitable choice because of his man-management skills and extensive experience winning major honours.
Ancelotti has built a reputation through successful spells at several prominent European clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
His experience handling teams filled with established international players is one of the qualities Scholes believes would benefit United.
However, there is an important complication. Ancelotti left Real Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 season and subsequently took charge of the Brazil national team.
His international commitments mean that any potential move to Old Trafford would depend on circumstances that have not been established.
Scholes has also questioned whether Ancelotti’s age could be a consideration, although he continues to value the Italian’s experience and presence in the dressing room.
Zinedine Zidane and Andoni Iraola Also Feature
Ancelotti is not the only manager Scholes has mentioned when discussing potential options for Manchester United.
Zinedine Zidane is another name associated with the former midfielder’s list of candidates. Zidane achieved considerable success during his time at Real Madrid, making him a prominent figure whenever discussions about elite managerial appointments arise.
Scholes has highlighted the importance of United appointing a manager with the experience and authority to lead one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
However, questions surrounding Zidane’s English-language ability and willingness to manage in England have previously been raised in discussions about his suitability for the Premier League.
Andoni Iraola has also featured among Scholes’ suggestions. The Spanish coach earned recognition for his tactical approach and work in English football.
Nevertheless, his reported current managerial commitments would need to be considered before assessing whether a move to Manchester United could realistically happen.
Any potential appointment would depend on availability, contractual circumstances and the club’s own recruitment strategy rather than reputation alone.
Thomas Tuchel Was Scholes’ Preferred Target
Among the managers discussed by Scholes, Thomas Tuchel received particularly strong support from the former Manchester United midfielder.
Speaking about his preferred appointment for the summer, Scholes described the German coach as one of the leading managerial options available to United.
“My number one choice, who I would bring in during the summer, is Thomas Tuchel. I really want him,” Scholes said.
He also praised Tuchel’s experience at major clubs and pointed to the improvements he believed the manager could deliver.
Tuchel has worked at several prominent European sides, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. His career includes success in domestic competitions and European football.
Scholes acknowledged that Tuchel can be temperamental and potentially difficult to manage. Nevertheless, he argued that the coach’s experience and tactical background made him an attractive candidate.
Tuchel’s reported position as England manager also complicates any potential move. His contractual commitments and international responsibilities would have to be considered before Manchester United could realistically pursue him.
For United, the wider question is whether the club would prioritise an experienced manager with a proven record at major clubs or continue building around Carrick.
Eddie Howe and Unai Emery Remain Names to Watch
Scholes has also discussed Eddie Howe as a possible candidate for Manchester United.
During an appearance on The Overlap in October 2025, he expressed support for Howe, praising the English manager while questioning whether he shared the same enthusiasm for the coach’s assistant, Jason Tindall.
Howe’s previous work at Newcastle United made him a familiar name in Premier League managerial discussions. However, any potential appointment would depend on his current professional circumstances and willingness to take on another project.
Unai Emery is another manager Scholes has mentioned.
The Aston Villa coach has experience across several European leagues and has established himself in English football. His work at Villa Park, however, could make any approach complicated, particularly given his standing in the West Midlands.
Both managers would represent different options in terms of experience, tactical approach and familiarity with the Premier League.
What Happens Next for Manchester United?
Manchester United’s immediate priority is to stop their disappointing run and improve their position in the Premier League table.
The defeat to Bournemouth has increased scrutiny of Carrick, but speculation about possible replacements should not be confused with confirmation that the club intends to make a change.
Scholes’ comments provide an insight into the type of manager he believes United need: someone with strong leadership, proven experience and the ability to get the best out of established players.
Ancelotti, Tuchel, Zidane, Howe and Emery each bring different backgrounds and managerial approaches. Their actual availability, however, remains a crucial factor in any discussion about a potential appointment.
For Carrick, the challenge is straightforward but significant. He needs results, improved performances and renewed confidence within the squad.
Whether he can deliver those improvements may determine the direction Manchester United take next. Until the club makes an official announcement, the future of the managerial position remains uncertain.
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