Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has broken ranks with his fellow club legends by naming Eddie Howe as the man he wants to see replace under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing for the Portuguese coach, speculation over Amorim’s future continues to swirl — and Scholes is convinced that Howe is “definitely” the right fit.
Scholes wants Howe to replace stuggling Amorim
Scholes has made his opinion clear on who should succeed Amorim if the Portuguese manager fails to turn things around. Speaking on The Overlap, the Manchester United legend said: “Eddie Howe, Eddie Howe. I’m not sure about his mate [assistant manager Jason Tindall], but definitely him.” His statement, though lighthearted, underscored a serious belief in Howe’s capabilities as a tactician and man-manager.
Scholes praised Howe’s ability to transform struggling teams, pointing to his success at Newcastle United, where he led the Magpies from the brink of relegation to consecutive Champions League qualifications. His comments stand in contrast to those of Roy Keane and Gary Neville, who have instead championed Diego Simeone as the ideal candidate to bring toughness and authority to Old Trafford. Scholes, however, favors a more progressive, hands-on approach akin to Howe’s methods at Newcastle and Bournemouth. Although he joked about not wanting Tindall on the United touchline, his admiration for Howe’s managerial credentials was evident.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesAmorim has flopped since Old Trafford arrival
Amorim’s position at Manchester United has come under scrutiny after a disappointing start to the campaign, despite easing the pressure slightly with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland. Questions persist over his tactical setup, particularly his 3-4-3 formation, which critics argue fails to maximize the influence of key players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko. Even with minority owner Ratcliffe’s backing, Amorim’s record — just 19 wins in 50 matches — has done little to calm speculation about his long-term future.
United’s struggles date back to last season’s poor finish, when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag and failed to lift the team out of mid-table mediocrity. The Portuguese coach has yet to register back-to-back league victories since taking over in November 2024, a statistic that has drawn widespread concern among fans and pundits. Though the hierarchy insists on patience and a long-term approach, the club’s inability to sustain momentum has kept the debate alive over whether Amorim is truly the right man to lead the rebuild.
Adding to the uncertainty, Amorim himself has admitted that his position depends on results, acknowledging that “nobody here is naive” about the expectations at Old Trafford. While he insists he will not resign, the mounting pressure is clear, particularly with the fanbase growing restless over performances that lack consistency and clarity. As United prepare for a testing run of fixtures, whispers about possible replacements continue to dominate headlines, with several high-profile names already being mentioned.
Eddie Howe's Newcastle success story
Howe’s rise at Newcastle has been remarkable, turning a relegation-threatened team into one capable of competing among Europe’s elite. Under his guidance, the Magpies secured their first top-four finish in two decades and re-established themselves as a force in English football.
Scholes' comments also come amid persistent reports linking other candidates to the United job, including former Barcelona boss Xavi, Atletico’s Diego Simeone, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner. Yet Scholes’ endorsement of an English manager reflects his belief that United need someone who understands the Premier League and can nurture homegrown talent. For Scholes, Howe represents a modern, methodical coach who builds from the ground up rather than relying on short-term fixes.
Getty Amorim needs an immediate turnaround
For now, Amorim remains in charge and will look to use the international break to regroup ahead of a crucial trip to Liverpool. The clash at Anfield, against an out-of-form Arne Slot side, could prove decisive in shaping perceptions about Amorim’s progress. A positive result would buy him more time, but defeat could once again spark calls for change among fans and pundits alike.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to preach patience, reiterating that Amorim is in the early stages of a three-year project designed to restore United’s identity. For Amorim, the challenge is clear: build on the recent Sunderland win, deliver results against tougher opposition, and prove he is the man to lead United’s rebuild — before his critics convince the board otherwise.
