Paul Scholes Has Reportedly 'Destroyed' Manchester United Return Hopes

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is facing the possibility of never being allowed to return to the club after a string of scathing attacks on current manager Louis van Gaal's style of football. 

The Mirror's Simon Mullock reported on Sunday that Manchester United's hierarchy have been irked by Scholes' branding of Van Gaal's philosophy as "boring" following a series of goal-shy performances.

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Scholes was briefly part of United's coaching staff when Ryan Giggs was named interim manager in 2014, with fellow "Class of 92" alumni Nicky Butt and Phil Neville part of that team.

Van Gaal responded to Scholes' comments prior to Saturday's 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace, where he insisted the ex-midfielder's views won't steer him off course in what sees as the route to success, per BBC Sport:

"

Is he saying this for the benefit of the club or benefit of himself? I don't agree with his opinion," he said. "I always take risks. Manchester United is always entertaining.

I cannot defend myself. He is a legend. But when you are a legend, you have to speak with the manager, or his friend Ryan Giggs, or [executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward and say things like this. We are improving a lot but it takes three years.

But when Mr Scholes says I have to go, then I must go. But that is not his responsibility, it is that of [Manchester United owners] the Glazers and Mr Woodward. When we lose and lose and lose I shall be finished. I know that. But we are improving. We now have 20 points from 10 games. Last year it was 13.

"

Saturday's bore draw means the Red Devils now sit fourth in the Premier League and are four points away from leaders Manchester City, losing just two of their 11 outings thus far.

That figure matches the Citizens' own loss tally, but Manuel Pellegrini's men have won two games more than United, and beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys believes Scholes is only pointing out the truth:

No matter how bitter a pill it may be to swallow, three consecutive 0-0 draws doesn't paint a good picture for Van Gaal, who would appear to have set flash aside in the pursuit of substance first and foremost.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News suggested United's supporters are also on board with Scholes, with the travelling support at Selhurst Park heard crying "Attack! Attack!" on Saturday:

Mullock's report mentioned Giggs as a potential successor to Van Gaal when his current contract expires in 2017, and he's in a prime position to do so after serving as assistant to both the Dutchman and predecessor David Moyes.

Opening up may mean Manchester United leave themselves susceptible, too, but Opta statistics indicate the current brand of football being promoted isn't what Scholes became used to as a player, per Sky Sports:

Some supporters will be saddened to hear Scholes could be excluded from an Old Trafford reunion as Giggs, Butt and both Neville brother, Gary and Phil, have each taken steps into management.

It would be the fantasy of many a United fan to see the Class of 92 one day return to Manchester United and head up their management, but Scholes' outspoken nature may cost him a place in that dream team.