Paul Scholes has made it clear he doesn’t share the same opinion as some of his fellow Manchester United legends when it comes to who should lead the club forward.
While many, including Roy Keane and Gary Neville, have expressed admiration for Diego Simeone as the kind of manager United need, Scholes believes there is a better fit Eddie Howe.
The former United midfielder has openly backed the Newcastle United boss to replace under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford if things fail to improve.
Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support for Amorim, the speculation around his future continues to grow, and Scholes is convinced that Howe is “definitely” the right man for the job.
Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes didn’t hesitate when asked who he would like to see manage Manchester United next. “Eddie Howe, Eddie Howe,” he said confidently. “I’m not sure about his mate Jason Tindall, but definitely him.” Though delivered with humor, his comments carried serious weight.
Scholes has long admired Howe’s tactical intelligence, calm authority, and ability to rebuild clubs with clear, modern footballing principles. He pointed out how Howe took Newcastle from a team flirting with relegation to one competing for the Champions League in just two seasons a transformation that mirrors what United are desperately searching for.
In contrast, Keane and Neville have both pushed for a more hard-edged, disciplinarian figure like Simeone, believing United need a manager who can instill toughness and fear. But Scholes sees things differently.
He values Howe’s balance of intensity and adaptability, describing him as a forward-thinking coach who brings structure and positivity to his teams. The difference in philosophy is clear while some legends want an authoritarian presence in the dressing room, Scholes believes United need a steady, progressive manager who knows how to build from the ground up.
The debate over Amorim’s position adds more fuel to the discussion. The Portuguese manager has struggled to convince both fans and pundits since taking over from Erik ten Hag last season.
Despite a brief respite following a 2-0 win over Sunderland, United’s form has been underwhelming. His 3-4-3 formation has drawn criticism for failing to get the best out of key players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Benjamin Sesko.
With only 19 wins in 50 matches, Amorim’s record does little to silence his critics. Many question whether his ideas truly fit the identity and intensity required at Old Trafford.
When Amorim replaced Ten Hag in November 2024, hopes were high that his success with Sporting Lisbon could be replicated in England. But since his arrival, United have not managed to string together back-to-back league victories.
The team has shown flashes of potential but remains inconsistent, often struggling to control matches and create clear chances. Even though Ratcliffe continues to insist on patience and the need for a long-term vision, fans are growing increasingly restless.
The message from the terraces is clear results matter, and the performances have not lived up to expectations.
Amorim himself has acknowledged the mounting pressure, admitting that his job depends on results. “Nobody here is naive,” he reportedly told the media, understanding that at a club of United’s stature, patience is rare when success seems distant.
While he insists he has no intention of stepping down, the scrutiny is only intensifying. With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, every match feels like a test of his authority and his ability to rally the squad.
Amid the uncertainty, Scholes’ endorsement of Eddie Howe carries extra significance. The Newcastle manager’s reputation has soared in recent years, thanks to his transformation of the Magpies into one of the Premier League’s most organized and competitive teams.
Under his leadership, Newcastle secured their first top-four finish in two decades and returned to Europe’s biggest stage. Howe’s methods a blend of tactical clarity, player development, and emotional intelligence have earned him widespread respect, even among rivals.
Scholes’ backing of an English manager also highlights something deeper: his belief that United need a coach who understands the Premier League’s unique demands.
Someone who can connect with players, develop young talent, and create a team that plays with energy and purpose. For Scholes, Howe’s work at both Bournemouth and Newcastle proves that he has the patience, intelligence, and leadership to rebuild a club’s culture from within rather than rely on big-name signings or short-term solutions.
As Amorim fights to save his job, the timing of Scholes’ comments feels telling. United’s upcoming trip to Anfield could be pivotal.
Facing Liverpool after the international break presents both an opportunity and a risk a strong result might quieten the noise, but a defeat could reignite calls for change.
The match will be a defining moment for Amorim, who needs to show tangible progress if he wants to keep the board and the fans on his side.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to urge patience, emphasizing that Amorim is still in the early stages of a three-year plan aimed at rebuilding United’s identity.
Yet the question remains how long will patience last if results don’t follow? For now, Amorim remains in charge, but with Paul Scholes and other influential voices already floating potential replacements, the pressure to deliver is greater than ever.
And if the situation at Old Trafford doesn’t improve soon, Eddie Howe’s name might be the one the board can no longer ignore.
