In a stunning turn of events, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has expressed his belief that former United assistant Steve McClaren should take charge of the team until the end of the season. Speaking after United's crushing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Scholes placed the blame for the team's struggles squarely on current manager Erik ten Hag.

Scholes, who was joined by his former teammate Michael Owen as a pundit for the match, made it clear that he no longer believed Ten Hag was the right man for the job. Instead, he showered praise on McClaren, describing him as "the best coach I ever had" during his time at United.

According to Scholes, McClaren has had little to no influence on the team's performance as a coach, suggesting that the responsibility lies with Ten Hag. This led him to suggest that McClaren, who had previously managed clubs like Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United, should take over as United's caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.

Scholes reminisced about his playing days under McClaren, highlighting the coach's meticulous attention to detail and tactical expertise. He emphasized that McClaren's coaching sessions were focused on shutting down opponents and ensuring that the team maintained the correct positioning and angles, particularly in midfield.

Expressing his frustration, Scholes stated that Ten Hag's fingerprints were nowhere near the team, indicating a lack of coaching influence. He even questioned whether the manager was intentionally sidelining McClaren. Owen, too, joined in the criticism of Ten Hag, launching a scathing rant about his managerial abilities and urging for his dismissal.

With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a cup final and matches that could impact their European aspirations, Scholes and Owen argued that a decision needs to be made promptly. They predicted bleak outcomes against strong opponents like Manchester City and Arsenal if the team continues to perform as they did against Crystal Palace.

As speculation over United's caretaker manager role continues, the endorsements from former United players like Scholes and Owen for Steve McClaren have added fuel to the fire. Only time will tell if their calls will be heeded by the club's hierarchy, but the pressure on Erik ten Hag seems to be mounting with each dismal display by Manchester United.