Caretaker manager Carrick is expected to remain in the dugout for United’s next Premier League game, and his former teammate Scholes has called for one big change
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Michael Carrick rang the changes for Manchester United’s draw at Chelsea, but his former teammate Paul Scholes has called for the caretaker manager to tweak things again as United return to Old Trafford on Thursday.
United opted for a more conservative line-up against the Blues, with a midfield three of Nemanja Matic, Fred and Scott McTominay, while Bruno Fernandes started as a false nine with Cristiano Ronaldo dropping to the bench.
Next up for United is a home meeting with an Arsenal side who have not been quite as threatening as the league leaders in front of goal, with Carrick expected to remain in the dugout as the club waits for interim manager Ralf Rangnick to arrive, and Scholes has identified one change the Red Devils need to make.
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United will be able to call on at least one returning first-teamer for their next game at home to Arsenal, with captain Harry Maguire back from suspension.
Some of their injury victims have been nearing full fitness, too, with Luke Shaw and Edinson Cavani both on the comeback trail.
However, the change recommended by Scholes concerns a man who was named among the substitutes on Sunday.
“I’d play a centre forward, for a start,” Scholes told Premier League Productions when asked about the changes he’d make for the Arsenal game.
“I think Cristiano will play, I think the two wide players will still probably play, possibly play two of the midfield players instead of three of them, so Fernandes comes [into midfield] as well instead of Matic or Fred.
“Arsenal are nowhere near the quality of Chelsea, they’re nowhere near the quality of Liverpool, they’re nowhere near the quality of Manchester City.”
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Explaining his decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting line-up for the trip to Chelsea, Carrick said “It is a decision to pick a team, don’t think it needs any more drama than that”.
He said he had had “a good chat with Cristiano” before the game, and ended up bringing the 36-year-old off the bench for the final 26 minutes.
Ronaldo replaced Jadon Sancho, who had given United the lead before Jorginho equalised from the penalty spot.
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Ronaldo’s omission at Stamford Bridge sparked debate between Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher in the Sky Sports studio, with the pair at odds over Carrick’s use of the player and United’s original decision to re-sign the veteran.
“Ronaldo’s not the player he was – he’s still obviously delivering for Manchester United in terms of goals – but I don’t think it should be a big story if he doesn’t start every game or, at times, comes off,” Carragher said.
If he is left out for a second game on the bounce, though, then it may become more of a story.
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