Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has said Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler “looks the real deal” while questioning whether Michael Carrick is having second thoughts about his role as United head coach.
Carrick has come under scrutiny following a slow start to the season, with United taking six points from a possible 18 so far - their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years. Victories over Ipswich and Sabah aside, the team has not built on the end of the 2025-26 season, and the weekend’s draw at home to 10-man Tottenham compounded matters.
Scholes on Hurzeler’s Premier League credentials
Speaking on ‘The Good, The Bad & The Football’, sponsored by Midnite, Scholes was asked whether Hurzeler could be a future Manchester United manager. He praised the Brighton boss and explained what he believes Hurzeler has over Carrick.
“He's done great. He looks the real deal, but again, Man United is different. The scrutiny is on you every single week,” Scholes said. “If Brighton didn't win a game for the next 10 games, nobody would really be that bothered.
“The one thing that someone like Hurzeler has got over Michael is that he's done a body of work in the Premier League.”
Carrick’s position and recruitment role
Despite reports claiming Carrick’s position is not under immediate threat, Scholes questioned whether his former team-mate is reconsidering taking the permanent role.
“Michael did okay in Middlesbrough with what he had. I think Middlesbrough were probably expecting more with the budget they had,” Scholes added.
“There's a bit of me when you look at Michael because I know him; Michael's a nice lad. Is there a bit of him that's thinking, ‘Get me out of here. Get me out of here, I'll take a few quid.’
“I'm not going to say he's been let down in the transfer market because, again, he'll be part of that. He’ll be part of the recruitment. Now, there are some clubs that just don't want to consult the manager. I'm pretty sure at Man United, I'd say 90-odd per cent of clubs that managers are involved in recruiting.”
