Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has rejected Paul Scholes's claims that the team lack creativity.

The club legend aimed criticism at the former English champions this week by admitting that he would not 'enjoy' playing under the Dutchman.

Van Gaal, who took charge of the Red Devils in the summer of 2014, has guided the team to six wins in 10 Premier League games, but they have failed to score in their last two in all competitions.

On Wednesday, United were knocked out of the Capital One Cup in the fourth round by Championship side Middlesbrough, who sealed the win in a penalty shootout.

When asked about Scholes's criticism in today's press conference, Van Gaal said: "[Scholes] doesn't have the responsibility, so he can say everything. Why is he saying something? For the benefit of the club or the benefit of himself?

"I don't want to defend myself because I cannot defend, because he is a legend and he has a lot of resonance, so I hear. I think when you are a legend, you have to speak with the manager or his friend Ryan Giggs or Ed Woodward, but not this way, because he will be paid by the BBC or Sky.

"You have an expression. I always use Dutch expression, but you have a fantastic expression for that - sticks and stones can break my bones, but [words] will never hurt me. Fantastic, fantastic expression. You do understand the meaning of this?"

United are currently fourth in the league table, two points behind leaders Manchester City.