Paul Scholes has issued a stark directive to Manchester United’s board, insisting that Antonio Conte is the sole viable option to replace interim manager Michael Carrick. The former midfielder dismissed concerns over the Italian’s volatile temperament, labeling him a “madman” only in the best possible sense for a squad in crisis. Scholes argued that Conte’s intensity is precisely what United needs to shake up a stagnant dressing room and reignite their Premier League ambitions, placing him “streets ahead” of other candidates like Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.
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The urgency of Scholes’ call is underscored by United’s catastrophic recent form, which includes a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. This loss marks just one victory in the club’s last eight league outings, signaling a deep tactical and mental collapse under Carrick. The on-pitch struggles have been mirrored by internal chaos, with reports indicating that Lisandro Martinez has voiced dissent against the hierarchy while captain Bruno Fernandes has openly criticized the coaching staff. This visible fracture in the squad suggests that a managerial reset is no longer a possibility but an inevitability.
For United to return to the top of the table, Scholes believes the club must embrace the high-pressure environment Conte creates, rather than seeking a safer, more conventional appointment. The “madman” warning, often used to deter potential hires, is viewed by the United legend as a feature, not a bug, for a team that has become complacent and fragile. By appointing Conte, United would signal a decisive break from the current stagnation, leveraging his proven ability to instill discipline and tactical rigor in underperforming squads.
Source: Yahoo Sports
