Paul Scholes shares theory on INEOS' decision around Erik ten Hag's future after Man City loss

Paul Scholes gave his brutally honest take on Erik ten Hag's future under the INEOS ownership after Manchester United fell to a 3-1 defeat against title challengers Manchester City.

Sir Dave Brailsford, who is INEOS' director of sport, watched on at the Etihad as Marcus Rashford's first-half opener was cancelled out by goals from Phil Foden [2] and Erling Haaland.

It was a promising start to the game for the visitors but their lack of attacking threat was evident. in fact, United recorded just one shot on target throughout as City dominated possession.

After the full-time whistle, a disappointed Paul Scholes described the team as "nowhere near good enough to be competing" before giving his take on Ten Hag's future.

Speaking to Optus Sport, he said: "What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away."

He added: "I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.

"From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision."

Scholes went on to say that he felt "a little bit sorry" for Ten Hag after a fairly promising first season in charge, where United ended their six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.

But he believes the Dutchman's time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.

He said: “With new owners anyway they always tend to change the manager and especially with the way they’re playing, where there are in the league and what it’s been like in the last couple of seasons, I just think they’ll make a change.”

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Michael Owen, who joined Scholes on the Optus Sport panel for Sunday's derby, also made his feelings clear on Ten Hag's future.

"I think they should make a change," he said. "Scholesy thinks they will make a change but doesn’t know if they should – I think they should.

“It’s not all the manager’s fault but his signings have been pretty average. I still watch Manchester United and I have no idea what they want to do at all.

“That has to come from the top, from the manager, having a certain way of playing, even if you have to go through a period of pain.

“Manchester United have had a lot of pain, they can probably take a little bit more to have a direction but I don’t see what that direction is.”