Louis van Gaal warns Paul Scholes over criticism of the Manchester United academy

Scholes wrote that rivals City had a more impressive youth set-up

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has delivered a sharp response to Paul Scholes’ claim in The Independent that Manchester City’s new academy is better than United’s, warning him that he should be careful what he says from the sidelines.

The modernity and sophistication of City’s new £200m facility was outlined in this newspaper, leading Scholes to suggest that he was concerned that the old rival may take Manchester’s best players.

But Van Gaal, who warned earlier this week that “legends” such as Gary Neville should be careful after the ex-captain said the United v Liverpool match would resemble a pub team game, said Scholes too should “pay attention” to what he says.

Van Gaal said: “Yes, that’s also a legend, yeah? I think he has to pay attention to his words, too. The building and accommodation is not so important. The philosophy and staff are – and then of course you have to work with the talents.

Scholes wrote that City had moved ahead of United with their new facility

“I don’t have time to compare talents and staff with each other; when I see what we have I know I am very happy. Now I am more occupied with the first team and that’s more than difficult enough without the youth education.”

United striker Robin van Persie said that he is restored to full fitness after a poor start to the season and that turning 31 has had no impact on his form.

“Personally I don’t think it has [had an effect],” he said. “But if you look at the papers then it’s different!

“It’s a strange feeling... when you hit 30 and you’re having a bad spell everyone says it’s because you’re 30 or 31 and things might be over for you. I live a quiet life for my football. The age thing is not an issue for me at all.”