Paul Scholes identifies the perfect candidate for the managerial hot seat at Manchester United despite Carrick's dream start

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has sparked discussion by pinpointing the name he deems "ideal" for the managerial position at Old Trafford, notwithstanding caretaker boss Michael Carrick's remarkably impressive beginning.

After taking over the team earlier this year following Ruben Amorim, Carrick quickly made a strong impact. He secured 6 wins and 1 draw in his first 7 Premier League matches, the best record in the league's history for a manager in their first 7 games. The latest victory against Crystal Palace propelled Manchester United to third place and solidified their position firmly within the top five.

However, according to Scholes, this outstanding form is not sufficient to guarantee Carrick a long-term contract. Speaking on a podcast, the renowned former Red Devils midfielder asserted: "The perfect man out there—I mean perfect—is Carlo Ancelotti." Currently, the Italian strategist is managing the Brazilian national team and will lead the Seleção in the World Cup this summer, but Scholes believes Manchester United should still attempt to persuade him.

According to Scholes, Ancelotti's greatest strengths lie in his experience and trophy-laden pedigree. Having conquered numerous major titles throughout his career, the Italian manager possesses the credibility to make players "feel worth millions." Nevertheless, he also raised questions about Ancelotti's age and whether Manchester United could find a similarly qualified but younger candidate.

Regarding Carrick, Scholes acknowledged that his former teammate has a solid foundation, having previously managed Middlesbrough in the Championship before returning to Old Trafford. Yet, he remains skeptical: "Does Michael have enough experience to win the Premier League? I'm not sure." In Scholes' view, Manchester United's challenge is not only tactical but also about the winning mentality required for titles, an area where previous managers like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have faced doubts.

Scholes' perspective indicates that despite Carrick's soaring start and dream-like beginning, his long-term future is not yet secured. In the context of Manchester United's desire to return to the top, the club's leadership must weigh giving an opportunity to a promising young manager versus placing trust in a seasoned "old fox" with extensive experience and numerous trophies like Ancelotti.