Paul Scholes has strongly rejected Peter Schmeichel’s transfer recommendation for Manchester United ahead of the summer window
Schmeichel says Xhaka would bring the leadership qualities Man United need
Paul Scholes has dismissed former team‑mate Peter Schmeichel’s suggestion that Manchester United should move for Granit Xhaka, while Nicky Butt is more open to the idea. Schmeichel believes ex-Arsenal ace Xhaka would be an obvious target for the club as they look to overhaul their midfield this summer.
The Reds are looking to bring in at least two new central midfielders this summer as they seek to build upon securing Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick, who is now the favourite to land the club’s permanent head coach position after winning 10 of his 14 matches in charge.
A number of midfielders have already been linked with United in recent weeks, including the likes of Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
However, United icon Schmeichel believes Xhaka would be a perfect acquisition after witnessing the 33-year-old enjoy an outstanding 2025/26 season back in the Premier League with Sunderland.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the Dane said: “I think we should go and sign Xhaka,” to which Scholes promptly said: “Noooo Pete.
“I have [watched him], but you’re probably in the same boat as Casemiro then, aren’t you, really?”
Schmeichel then explained: “I make my case, we are going to build a team around Kobbie. Casemiro is leaving. Bring in Wharton and Anderson or whatever, who are still young. What we don’t have really is proper leadership. When I look and see what Xhaka has done at Sunderland, he is the reason why they are absolutely amazing.
“His leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, and he is a very good player. I know he can do it. If he does one or two years, we need leadership.
“I know Tonali is mentioned, but has he done enough at Newcastle to warrant that. I think Xhaka would bring a lot to the dressing room and have power around the person, which is rare. We’re desperate for more leadership.”
Butt, meanwhile, suggested Xhaka could provide the leadership qualities United are lacking. “Xhaka could come in and just go, ‘well I’m not going to play every game, but I’m a squad player,’ but he will bring a lot to the squad,” he said.
Xhaka has proven transformative since joining the Black Cats, who have surpassed all predictions this campaign following their promotion through the Championship play-offs.
Schmeichel maintains the former Arsenal skipper would inject additional leadership into a squad notably short of commanders, aside from Harry Maguire and club captain Bruno Fernandes.
He continued: “We’re desperate for more leadership and we know, obviously we’ve been in squads where everyone was leading. We know the value of having those players in there. Harry Maguire is a fantastic leader. I do think he is. I think Bruno is.
“He’s a leader in his own way, but he’s a leader, and he leads a lot by how he plays. But then I look at the rest of the squad, you know, they’re followers. We’ve been in squads where everyone was leading.
“We know the value of having those players in there because on a Sunday or a Tuesday night, I always said, a Tuesday night where everything is going against you. You need somebody who can pull you out by the hair, the short hairs, and get you playing or find that little bit to bring you up.
“And that value of having that and I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I think that would be a really good thing. I want somebody like that.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
2026-05-05 10:05:37
