Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has followed Jose Mourinho with another damning attack on the club’s current crop of players stating that the Red Devils could struggle for another two years before things begin to look up at Old Trafford.

Scholes watched on as United were defeated 2-1 to Fenerbahce in the Europa League last night and claims that Mourinho’s side were bullied by the Turkish side as their poor away form in Europe continued.

Goals from Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens put Fenerbahce in the clear and, despite a late stunner from Wayne Rooney, United were condemned to another disappointing result which will certainly mount more pressure on the Red Devils.

Scholes, who is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, told BT Sport that the club’s poor spell could continue until the new United boss gets the necessary time to build the team that he desires.

"We have had a painful three years. The next 18 months to two years could be very similar until this manager gets the team he wants," he said.

"This team in two years will be unrecognisable from what it is now. Whatever we do in this two years has to be a bonus.

"It has shown in the last three years that they can't win this league with these players."

United created chances in the Turkish capital but couldn’t convert them as they did so expertly in their 4-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

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The result also ensured that Mourinho has made a worse start to his United career than both of his predecessors David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal. Scholes believes that his old side looked ‘rattled’ and weren’t ready for the challenge in Istanbul.

"There is only so much the manager can do. Once the players cross the line, they have to be ready and they weren't tonight,” Scholes added.

"They conceded that goal early on. One of the centre-halves have to pick up the striker.

"Fenerbahce got right about them and United were rattled, they couldn't handle it.

"For most of the game, they bullied United."

Scholes also pinpointed United’s defensive vulnerability as a reason for their slump and slammed Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind as the Reds’ weak links at the back.

“United have two big problems at the minute," he added.

"They are really struggling to score goals and to win games of football with Blind and Rojo at centre-half, they almost need to score three.