Paul Scholes: This is the biggest problem facing Jose Mourinho at Manchester United

JOSE MOURINHO's biggest headache at Manchester United is finding a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick, according to Red Devils legend Paul Scholes.

By DAVID WRIGHT

The 36-year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has featured only 19 times for Manchester United across all competitions this term.

United have lost just once with Carrick on the pitch and are undefeated in the Premier League when the England international has played.

The Times reported earlier this month that United are planning to sit down with Carrick after the EFL Cup final with Southampton to discuss his future.

But should the Old Trafford veteran choose to leave when his contract expires, Scholes is expecting a difficult challenge for Mourinho to replace him.

The Red Devils have been linked with Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Atalanta's Franck Kessie in recent weeks.

When asked whether finding a long-term replacement for Carrick is Mourinho's biggest problem at Old Trafford, Scholes told Goal: "Yes.

“There are players out there capable of doing it but that’s up to him in who he sees in that role.”

Carrick cost United around £19million from Tottenham in 2006 and has gone on to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Club World Cup.