Michael Carrick has insisted that he and his Manchester United teammates are paying little attention to Paul Scholes's criticism of them in recent weeks.

The Red Devils legend turned television pundit has recently blasted his former club over their style of play under manager Louis van Gaal.

Although Carrick - who spent six years playing alongside Scholes - has plenty of respect for the 40-year-old, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is unfazed by his opinion.

"For me, what he said doesn't bother me," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I have respect for Scholesy and that isn't going to change. It's not an issue really.

"There are so many opinions out there. If you start worrying about what people are saying about you on TV or in the papers, then you are in trouble.

"We know as players what we have to focus on. There is nothing wrong with those comments. People are there to have opinions. That's fine. You have to take the rough with the smooth and if you accept the pats on the back, then you have to accept the criticism when it comes."

Van Gaal's men have scored one goal in their last four games in all competitions.