Scholes: Carrick not ruthless enough for Man Utd
Premier League
Paul Scholes believes Michael Carrick’s failure to be more “ruthless” with Manchester United’s squad over the summer contributed to his dismissal.
Carrick was sacked on Thursday following reports that United could make a change during the international break, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to replace him at Old Trafford.
Having impressed as interim boss in the second half of last season, guiding United to third in the Premier League, Carrick struggled to reproduce that impact after taking the job permanently.
United sit 18th after winning just one of their opening 10 league games in 2026-27, drawing five and losing four. Scholes believes the summer was a missed opportunity to make more extensive changes to the squad.
“Winning one league game in 10 league games is just not going to cut it.”
“He did so well when he first came in. His audition, if you like, was very good,” Scholes said.
“But I do think he missed a bit of a trick in the summer; he could have been more ruthless with players that we know, and a lot of people said, just weren’t good enough if Man Utd were going to get to the next level.
“They did finish well last year, but Man Utd should be thinking about winning trophies.”
Carrick’s contrasting spells
| All competitions | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 17 | 15 |
| Wins | 12 | 3 |
| Win rate | 70% | 20% |
| Goals scored per game | 1.94 | 1.6 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.05 | 2.0 |
Pochettino backed — with a reservation
United are reportedly finalising a deal with United States head coach Pochettino, having said they “intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
The Argentinian has managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League. His 150 wins put him 12th on the competition’s all-time managerial list, and he is six matches away from becoming the 21st manager to reach 300 Premier League games.
Pochettino has been linked with United before and has spoken about his wish to return to the Premier League since moving into international management. Scholes admires his credentials but fears the appointment may come several years too late.
“Mauricio Pochettino is a great manager,” Scholes added. “He’s got the presence to manage a big football club like Man Utd.
“He’s got experience of working with young players, which is what Man Utd want.
“My only slight concern is that they have come a little bit too late to the party. He’s got a bit of a reputation of being a bridesmaid, of not winning trophies.
“That possibly put Man Utd off a little bit in the past. They are in a totally different position now, though. They are possibly not even thinking about winning things.”
United return from the international break with an away game at Liverpool, followed by a trip to Sporting CP in the Champions League.
