Paul Scholes has laid out his concerns over the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Manchester United manager, whilst urging the former Chelsea boss to 'forget' a pair of saboteurs.

United have endured a dismal start to the new season, winning just one of their first ten Premier League matches — a return that leaves the Red Devils in the relegation zone heading into this international break. Michael Carrick has subsequently been dismissed from his role in the Old Trafford dugout, and the north-west club are now closing in on a deal for the Englishman's successor.

Pochettino, who hasn't worked in the English top flight since leaving Chelsea in 2024, is expected to be appointed as United's new head coach.

The Premier League giants will pay the Argentine's $10 million (£7 million) release clause, snatching him from the US Men's National Team.

While many associated with United are excited about what Pochettino could achieve in Manchester, Scholes isn't as optimistic about the appointment.

Scholes Shares Thoughts on Pochettino Appointment

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & the Football podcast, Scholes revealed his belief that United may have moved for Pochettino too late into the coach's career.

The ex-Tottenham manager enjoyed huge success with Southampton and Spurs between 2013 and 2019, while his stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the 2020s were much more varied.

"My only concern with someone like Pochettino is that we might be a little late to the party," Scholes said.

"I think his best work was a few years ago, particularly at Southampton and Tottenham. That was probably the time he should have gone to Manchester United.

"I don’t want people to misunderstand my point about him going to America. Some players move there when they’re approaching the end of their careers, but I’m not saying that’s the case with Pochettino. I actually think he’s a brilliant appointment and could be perfect for United. I just worry that we might not be getting him in his best years."

While Scholes expressed some concern over Pochettino, he also provided the 54-year-old with some advice. The legendary United midfielder urged the former Espanyol man to take 'full control' of the club, claiming that the new manager needs to tame the influence of executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, particularly regarding recruitment.

"But he has to take full control of this football club, almost like Sir Alex Ferguson did," he said.

"Forget Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada bringing players in. Whoever is responsible for recruitment, the manager must have a massive say. The only way I’d come to this club is if I chose the players and bought them myself.

"Then you live by the sword, you die by the sword. That’s it.”

Paul Scholes Says Michael Carrick Wasn't 'Ruthless' Enough

As well as discussing Pochettino's potential shortcomings, Scholes also addressed Carrick's inability to yield positive results this term, claiming the former United boss should've been more 'ruthless'.

“I’ve been good mates with Michael for a long time," he said.

"I loved playing with him, but I think the time is probably right. I know it’s not official yet, but it looks like it’s going to happen. Winning one game in 10 league matches just isn’t going to cut it. What he did when he first came in, his audition if you like, was very good.

"But I do think he missed a trick in the summer. He could have been more ruthless with players that we and plenty of others know simply weren’t good enough to take the club to the next level. Manchester United should be thinking about winning trophies.

"Now, this might not be down to him. It could be down to Berrada or Wilcox. Out of all three, I don’t think any of them were ruthless enough when it came to getting rid of players who simply weren’t good enough to take United to the next level.”