Scholes names Conte as the clear frontrunner to replace Carrick at Manchester United

Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to appoint Antonio Conte as their next manager, insisting the Italian is ‘miles ahead’ of the other candidates being discussed — Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and Eddie Howe — should the club move on from Michael Carrick.

Carrick came under intense scrutiny after United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, with discussions over his future held on Monday morning. Despite arriving at Carrington later that day to watch the under-21s face Hull City, and returning on Tuesday to lead first-team training, his position remains uncertain. He has been given the opportunity to turn results around.

Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, was unambiguous about his preference. “Out of them three, Antonio Conte’s the man, but he comes with a big massive warning,” he said. “He’s made noises that he wants to come and I’m pretty sure the club would have spoke to all three of them. I can’t understand why he’d want this job because I don’t think the team’s good enough for him, personally.”

The former United midfielder also gave serious consideration to Emery, who led Aston Villa to Europa League glory, before ultimately returning to Conte as his top choice. “Is the answer staring us right in the face in Unai Emery?” Scholes asked. “He’s won the Europa League with Aston Villa — do you know what an achievement that is? He gets a new team every single year because they have to sell their best players, and he keeps producing. But I think Conte’s the best one around.”

Scholes pointed to Conte’s record at Juventus and Napoli — where he won the Serie A title — as evidence of his elite credentials, and said he would accept even a short-term appointment if it reignited United’s competitiveness. “I don’t care if it’s short term. I don’t care if he’s there 18 months and he gets us challenging for the league — that would be a success.”

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has also been mentioned as a potential target, though poaching him from the Amex would come at a significant cost. Nagelsmann and Howe, like Conte, are currently without clubs. Emery remains contracted to Villa.

For now, Carrick retains the job and will look to steady the ship before any managerial decision is made.