MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has described axed manager Jose Mourinho as “an embarrassment to the club” in an interview on Norwegian television.
Mourinho was sacked last month after a torrid start to his third season in charge at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese tactician garnered widespread criticism during his final term for his divisive nature and negative approach to games.
Scholes, who regularly features on BT Sport’s coverage of the Premier League and Champions League, was one of many former players who was openly critical of Mourinho.
In Mourinho’s wake, the club has rediscovered its mojo under a former team-mate of Scholes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
On a managerial loan from Norwegian club Molde until the end of the season, Solskjaer has hit the ground running, winning his first six games.
It is not only the results but the style which has delighted United fans, with the team returning to the vibrant, attacking football which epitomised the glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Before going on to praise the interim coach on TV 2, Scholes slammed his predecessor, saying: “The last manager showed lack of respect and was an embarrassment to the club, which is something Ole would never do.
“He has realised that he’s there to serve what’s probably the world’s greatest football club, and he does it with a smile on his face.
“Ole is a kind man. He always smiles. He will get the best out of the players. He causes them to feel three meters high. It’s what Sir Alex did.”
While Mourinho picked battles with senior players such as Paul Pogba this season, Solskjaer has been more arm-around-the-shoulder than cold shoulder.
“Even when [Sir Alex] left you out from the team, he got you to feel as if you did things right. Ole is very similar,” Scholes added.
“If something needs to be said, [Ole] knows he has the hairdryer, as we say over here. He has it in him.
“[Ole] has brought back the smiles, and also with the fans. That’s the most important. Now it’s impossible to get tickets. The stadium is full. Everyone is looking forward to seeing Manchester United again.
“[Ole] will be kind to people on the training ground. He will show respect towards the fans. The fans will love him. He can not do anything wrong at Old Trafford.
“He could lose the next 20 games, and he will still be loved. He is in a tremendous position. He’s had a great start. Once you are in such a position, then it is up to him to lose it. I think he’s quite determined. If he gets them into the top four, it will be a big boost.”
Source:www.express.co.uk