Scholes sticks the boot into ‘pretty’ Arsenal

Retired ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has stuck the boot into Arsenal, arguing that their pretty football has got them nowhere in recent seasons.

Throughout his long and magnificent career, Scholes rarely appeared in the press and his contributions to the media were notable because of their rarity, but also because his observations always seemed to be as precise as the cross-field passes he mastered over the years.

True to form, the 36-year old, who has taken on coaching duties at Old Trafford since retiring at the end of last season, delivered a broadside at Arsene Wenger’s side, who have gone trophy-less for the last six seasons and have, according to Scholes, flattered to deceive in that period.

"They just flatter to deceive," said Scholes.

"They may play the prettiest football, but it doesn't always produce the results they need. It doesn't irritate me that people say they're the best footballing team because while they are doing that, we (United) are winning games.

"They do play the best football to watch at times, but what is the point of that if you are not winning anything? Not only that, they are potentially going to lose their best players in (Cesc) Fabregas, (Samir) Nasri and (Gael) Clichy.

"I don't think our manager would allow this club to go six years without a trophy."

Scholes added mischievously that he "hopes" Nasri can replace him at Old Trafford and also commented on the schooling he and his teammates received at the hands of Barcelona in this season’s Champions League Final.

"Yes it was bad, probably as bad as (the 2-0 Champions League final defeat) two years ago in Rome really," Scholes added.

"You would have hoped that in that two years you would have been able to bridge the gap a bit really. We were a million miles away from them. When you are taught a lesson like that – not once, but twice – it stays with you."

Asked whether he would have liked to have played in the current all-conquering Catalan side, Scholes replied: "Who wouldn't have fancied it because it is a great footballing team. I'm just not sure I would have got in."