Paul Scholes believes it has been "three or four years" since Manchester United had an elite coach as he, again, bemoaned the club's ambition and structure.
The Red Devils were knocked out of the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid after the Spanish side won at Old Trafford. It means United's trophy drought will extend to five years as they face a battle to finish in the top four.
Ralf Rangnick is in interim charge until the end of the season having taken over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year. The Norwegian was axed after almost three years following a poor start to the season despite some big names arriving in the summer.
Solskjaer's credentials - or lack of - were often held against him with some critics insisting United could not challenge the elite until they had a manager befitting their history and ambition. Former United players and those who played alongside Solskjaer had been reluctant to criticise their old teammate.
However Scholes' comments highlight his feelings about those who've recently occupied the Old Trafford dugout. He said on BT Sport: "I think they’re an elite coach away from challenging for trophies again. They’ve got a good squad with some top players, but for the last three or four years, they’ve not had an elite coach."
He went on to say: "I would have gone for Conte or Tuchel. It looks like one might be available at the end of the season. Those are two top class coaches that strike fear into players and win, which is the most important thing. United, with either one of those managers, would be much better off."
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"You need a manager that strikes fear into players, Sir Alex Ferguson had that, have any of the managers since him had that? I don’t think so. It’s a special talent to have as a coach."
United are now being linked with moves for the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Erik Ten Hag. Both men are highly-rated but have seen their Champions League ambitions ended recently. Pochettino's position at PSG is now under threat after they were dumped out by Real Madrid. Ajax meanwhile were beaten by Benfica in Amsterdam.
The likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal both fell below expectations during their stints in Manchester. Van Gaal claimed the FA Cup before his dismissal whilst the Special One won three honours in his first year, but then went trophyless until his sacking.
United are miles off the pace domestically and haven't mounted a title charge since Sir Alex Ferguson's exit. Scholes is adamant having an elite coach can be a point of difference, citing the success of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola at Liverpool and Manchester City.
He said: "Getting a proper coach for this team is a massive thing. There's some real talent in this squad. The very first thing this club needs to do to get anywhere near winning the league again is getting in a proper coach who works for this team." United's last league title came in 2013 with their best finish since then second place, which they achieved in 2018 and 2021.
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