I would not like to play under Louis van Gaal: Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes is regarded by many as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League era

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised Louis van Gaal for the style of play the latter has imposed on the Red Devils. Scholes was talking to BBC Radio Manchester after the 4^th round exit of his beloved Manchester United in the Capital One Cup against Championship side Middlesborough at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Manchester United lost to Middlesborough 3-1 on penalties as the game remained scoreless after 120 minutes of football.

The former England International has admitted that it pains him to see United’s style of play which often lacks creativity, flair and taking risks which the 20-time League champions have been associated with over the years. And this is not the first time Scholes has come forward with his criticism on the Dutchman’s famed philosophy and tactics.

"There's a lack of creativity and risk," said Scholes, who has played 718 games for United.

"But it seems he (Van Gaal) doesn't want players to beat men and it's probably not a team I'd have enjoyed playing in."

But the club legend appeared to grant Van Gaal some respite as he claimed that the manager has been able to improve United’s defence considerably which is evidenced by the fact that United are tied with Arsenal, Tottenham and rivals Manchester City as the teams who have conceded the least number of goals(eight) this season.

"It's a team now you wouldn't want to play against because they're tightly organised,” Scholes added.

Scholes defends club captain Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been under intense scrutiny this season for his poor goalscoring form. There has been a growing clamour regarding the axing of Rooney from the starting line-up as the striker has done every little so far to justify the number 9 role he is entrusted with. His latest penalty miss on Wednesday will only heap more pressure on the manager to review his stance on the skipper.

United are fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Manchester City, but have now failed to score in their last two games - and Van Gaal has admitted the lack of goals is "a concern".

United have scored 15 league goals this season, the lowest among the top four.

But Scholes has come out in support of the under-fire striker and has said that any striker would struggle to play and score in Louis van Gaal’s side.

He added: "The hardest thing to coach is scoring goals and creativity.

"I was at the derby on Sunday and Rooney's movement was brilliant but when he's playing in that team there's no one prepared to pass to him. I think after 20 minutes you'd be tearing you hair out.

"I played with some brilliant centre forwards and I don't think they could play in this team - the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham.