Carlisle United's unbeaten League Two rivals Salford City have placed Paul Scholes in temporary charge after the surprise dismissal of Graham Alexander.
Salford, fifth in the fourth tier, today axed Alexander despite the big-spending outfit sitting fifth in the table.
Scholes is one of the club's co-owners allow with fellow Class of 92 ex-Manchester United stars.
He is expected to remain in charge for their game at Port Vale next Saturday, with Salford insisting it is a temporary situation as they seek a new boss.
In a statement, they said: "Salford City Football Club announces that manager Graham Alexander has left the club with immediate effect. The club met with Graham this morning and after discussion have agreed to part company."
Salford thanked Alexander for "all his hard work" in his two-and-a-half year reign. First-team coach Chris Lucketti is also leaving.
Warren Joyce, currently boss of Salford's development squad, will assist Scholes after a period of self-isolation due to Covid-19.
It is a return to the dugout for 45-year-old Scholes after a short-lived, 31-day spell in charge of Oldham in 2019.
Carlisle's first meeting with Salford in the league this season will be at Brunton Park on December 1.
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