Paul Scholes tells Manchester United's Antony to 'run as fast as you can and score goals' after the Brazilian winger hit out at club legends for 'never giving constructive criticism'

Paul Scholes has responded to Manchester United winger Antony after the Brazilian hit out at club legends for 'never giving constructive criticism'.

United face the prospect of a seventh Premier League defeat of the season when they host Chelsea tonight, and Scholes has issued a response to the player's comments.

The Brazilian has endured varying patches of form since joining United in an £85m deal from Ajax last summer, initially hitting the ground running with a goal against Arsenal on his debut, but largely struggling during his second campaign in English football.

Like many of the players within Erik ten Hag's squad, Antony has been heavily slated by former players, with Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Scholes all critical at times.

Antony hit back at pundits for their lack of support without offering any positives and Scholes has responded by offering some simple advice to the Brazilian.

Responding to Mail Sport's story on his Instagram story, Scholes said: 'Run as fast as you can up and down, score goals, and make goals pls. Good luck tonight my friend.'

Scholes' instructions telling the 23-year-old to 'run' could be viewed in response to comments from former United captain Roy Keane who singled out Marcus Rashford for his lack of effort in their recent defeat against Newcastle.

United's players looked largely out of sorts against Newcastle as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat, with the score line largely flattering the performance from Ten Hag's team.

Antony meanwhile has made just 14 appearances for United this season but is yet to find the back of the net or register an assist this campaign.

He will be hoping to be involved against Chelsea given United's struggles in the wide department with Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri all struggling to make an impact in recent matches.

Antony's initial comments explaining the views of former players said: 'Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play. 

'But I've never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. 

'None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through.'