Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised boss Louis van Gaal on his style of play at the Old Trafford club, stating that he wouldn’t want to play under the Dutchman.

United lost a penalty shootout to Middlesbrough in the League Cup on Wednesday after a goalless 120 minutes at Old Trafford, a result that may well have seen an end to United’s best hopes of silverware this season.

Scholes praised United’s defence saying they are “coached brilliantly” but bemoaned the team’s style of play.
“There’s a lack of creativity and risk,” said Scholes.

“It’s a team now you wouldn’t want to play against because they’re tightly organised.”

“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.”

Scholes also gave his opinion about under fire striker Wayne Rooney. The 30-year-old has had a dire season so far, which has merited fans to call for him to be dropped to the bench. However, Scholes believes Rooney is not at fault for his poor displays.

“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.”

“You don’t get crosses into the box or midfielders looking for runs.”

Former United team-mate Nicky Butt also backed Rooney, adding: “Wayne has carried the team for a long time and is probably our talisman, our main player.”

“When you’re the superstar of the team and you’re the captain you’ve got to carry that on your shoulders. He does that without any complaints.”

[All quotes via BBC Sport]