Paul Scholes names three “realistic” midfield targets as he flags Carrick concern | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has named the three “realistic” midfielders he thinks the club has a chance of landing this summer, while also pinpointing his major concern with Michael Carrick’s imminent appointment.

Midfield hunt

Heading into the summer transfer window, United are prioritising midfield reinforcements.

Casemiro’s time at the club has come to an end but he is not the only midfielder who is on his way out. There have also been strong suggestions that Manuel Ugarte’s exit is firmly on the cards, having struggled to make an impact since his move from Paris Saint-Germain.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are prepared to fork out in excess of £150m on bolstering their options in the middle of the park.

The Red Devils could sign as many as three midfielders, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Ederson on their radar.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes named Anderson, Tonali and Wharton as his three “realistic” targets, but fears that Anderson could be bound for Manchester City instead.

Scholes said, “There’s three: Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson.”

“The only thing I think about Elliot Anderson, I’ve got a feeling Manchester City might go for him.”

“Obviously City are going to be losing Bernardo Silva as well.”

Carrick concern

Scholes has consistently been one of the strongest voices against Carrick’s appointment on a permanent basis, despite the pair playing together for many years in the past.

However, Carrick is set to carry on beyond the end of the campaign after masterminding an incredible turnaround. Last week, Fabrizio Romano revealed that everything is in place for him to remain in the Old Trafford hot seat.

Addressing Carrick’s situation, Scholes remarked, “This job changes now for him. It’s still a big job now but now it’s real, he’s got trophies to go for, he’s got to try and get them close to winning the league and that will come from expectation.”

“I don’t know what United will expect, the expectation has to be tapered a little bit. Can we win the FA Cup? Can we win the Carabao Cup? Can we get second or third in the league?”

“You have to remember that this is Manchester United. They expect everything, they expect the world.

He continued, “I know they’ve done great, don’t get me wrong, but a lot of the games, they’re still conceding a lot of chances. They’re still conceding a lot through the middle of the pitch and sometimes those games can go 50-50. Now, if they start again with pretty much a similar team then I’d be concerned.”

United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Brighton & Hove Albion in their final game of the 2025/26 season.

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