When it comes to Manchester United, nobody speaks as candidly and honestly as Paul Scholes.

Since hanging up his boots in 2013, the Englishman has picked up the BT Sport microphone as a pundit and hasn't been afraid to ruffle a few feathers when reporting on United.

So it was no surprise when the ex-United midfield dropped a few home truths about his old side on Saturday when he stepped in front of the camera for the Red Devils' trip to Huddersfield.

The last time United stepped onto the turf of the John Smith's Stadium, Jose Mourinho's men were dealt one of their most embarrassing defeats in a first-half disasterclass.

Fast forward four months and the Reds Devils find themselves in a strange position. Since losing the all-or-nothing Manchester derby in December, the realisation of missing out on the Premier League title has bred inconsistent results.

Manchester United's recent defensive problems

This has been no more apparent than in away trips to the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle United where defensive frailties have crept up on the club.

In the absence of the injured Eric Bailly, the all-English nomination of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling has left supporters tearing their hair out and with good reason at that. 

You know you're not playing well when newspapers report that Mourinho wants you sold at the next possible opportunity.

And amidst all the brutally honest comments from Scholes, the Smalling-Jones partnership was certainly not immune and his conclusion that the pair were 'shoddy' puts it mildly by his standards.

Paul Scholes lays down the law on Smalling & Jones

The 43-year-old calmly reproached: “United have looked very nervous. Jones and Smalling, anything around them, they’ve been nervous. As soon as they play against quality, they’re all over the place. This has been indicative of their last few weeks. Shoddy defending.”

Too true, Paul, and it doesn't bode well going into the Champions League knockout stages.

The criticism of Smalling didn't end there, though, with Scholes giving a beautifully simple opinion on the Englishman's dive at St. James' Park. 

"It's unacceptable," Scholes concluded.

Mourinho has a brilliant team on his hands and Scholes will be the first person to admit it, yet they cannot go forward with their current defence. 

The club will be looking to invest in a centre-back over the course of the summer to partner Bailly and if reports of potential Smalling and Jones exits came to fruition, one United legend and pundit will be rather chuffed.

Who do you think should partner Eric Bailly at Old Trafford? Have your say in the comments section below.