• Premier League

Scholes hits out at United chief

Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and blamed him for the club's struggles.

The 39-year-old, who made 718 appearances for United, returned to Old Trafford to assist interim manager Ryan Giggs for the final four games of the season but does not expect to be part of Louis van Gaal's coaching team at the club.

Scholes has had no contact with Woodward, who hired the Dutchman, and is clearly not a fan of his approach.

"I've not spoken to Edward Woodward. I came back for Ryan Giggs for the last few games of last season to try to help out but I'm not waiting for a phone call and don't expect to be at United next season," he told Paddy Power.

Rooney has passed his peak

Paul Scholes prepares a training session © Getty Images

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"Moyes took a lot of stick but I believe he's a top manager. I'd question if 10 months was enough time. Woodward has an awful lot to prove this time that he's good enough at his job."

United missed out on transfer targets such as Cesc Fabregas, Sami Khedira and Daniele de Rossi last summer. Their only major recruit was Marouane Fellaini, who has flopped, and Scholes blamed Woodward.

Scholes, warning about the potential for a repeat of the transfer market mistakes, said: "He [Woodward] has to bring the players in that the new manager wants. It's obvious that last year he didn't manage to do that. If he doesn't we are not going to get anywhere near the top."

United had been confident of landing Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos, though sources told ESPN on Thursday that Van Gaal has ended the club's pursuit of the midfielder.

Scholes would clearly approve of a move, however. He said: "The first player I'd bring in is Kroos. He's a top-class central midfield player but United need five or six to get anywhere near the top of the Premier League again."

Scholes warned former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern manager Van Gaal that, even with Kroos, it will still take a huge effort to take the club back to the top of the game, as he has pledged to.

He said: "He's been at the biggest clubs in the world but he has a major job on his hands at United.

"It's a massive task and there's a big gap to fill to catch Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool next season. United are a long way behind. If Van Gaal gets them to the Champions League, it'll be a start."

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