Scholes backs Conte as United manager candidate, warns of risks

Paul Scholes has backed Antonio Conte as his preferred candidate to manage Manchester United if the club replaces Michael Carrick, while warning that the Italian’s volatile reputation could make the appointment risky. United have not announced a change, and Carrick remains in charge in the accounts described by the reports. Speaking on the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes said Conte stood well ahead of the other managers under consideration. He argued that Conte could help United return to competing in the Premier League, but also questioned why the former Chelsea, Juventus, Napoli and Tottenham manager would want the job, saying he did not believe the squad was good enough for him. Scholes also raised Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, as a possible alternative, praising his work amid the need to rebuild teams. But he continued to favour Conte, saying a short spell could still be successful if it made United competitive for the league. His comments are an endorsement, not evidence that Conte has been appointed or that the club has selected him. Ashley Young, who played under Conte at Inter, offered a warning about the fit. Young said Conte’s approach...