Former Manchester United midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt are united in their opinions on three candidates they would welcome to lead the team amid growing pressure on Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick has been granted a temporary reprieve ahead of Saturday's away fixture against Chelsea, despite the team's ongoing crisis. The Mancunians have not won in eight consecutive matches and have fallen to 16th place in the Premier League table. Manchester United's management seriously considered sacking Carrick this week but decided to retain him due to a lack of agreement with a potential successor. The upcoming match at Stamford Bridge will be another significant test for the manager.
In a podcast episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes and Butt were asked to evaluate 11 potential candidates to replace Carrick. Both club veterans unanimously chose three coaches: Unai Emery, Roy Keane, and Kieran McKenna.
Discussing Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, Paul Scholes succinctly stated:
I see no reason why not.
The Spaniard has been linked with a possible move to Manchester, although his current contract runs until 2029.
The candidacy of legendary captain Roy Keane has also received support from both of his former teammates. Nicky Butt jokingly remarked:
It would be fun, while Scholes reiterated: I see no reason why not.
Keane has previously been linked with a return to the club as part of the coaching staff.
Kieran McKenna, who previously enjoyed success with the Manchester United first team, was the third unanimous choice of the club legends. Scholes again commented:
I see no reason why not, to which Butt added: He knows the club, yes.
However, the former midfielders dismissed a number of high-profile names. They categorically ruled out Eddie Howe, Daniel Farke, and Julian Nagelsmann. Scholes placed a temporary halt on the candidacy of Cesc Fabregas, stating that for him it is not the time yet, despite the recent sensational victory of Como under the Spanish coach against Manchester United in the Champions League.
On other candidates, the experts had divided opinions. Scholes expressed willingness to consider Antonio Conte and Fabian Hurzeler, while Butt preferred Gareth Southgate and Mauricio Pochettino.
